Come Holy Spirit

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday and I was one of the Lectors doing the readings at Mass.

In preparing for that, I took a very close look at not only the readings, but the Gospel.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."

When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side.

The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

I often like to imagine as I'm reading the Bible, that I am one of the disciples and I'm actually there with Jesus. This is one of those times. Can you imagine how disoriented they all must have been? Can you imagine how afraid they must have felt? Can you imagine the weight of what was happening around them, to them and to their friend, Jesus? They must have had a million questions swirling around in their heads!

But when Jesus has this incredibly important encounter with them, it's presented in such a beautiful, calm and peaceful way. He is acknowledging and recognizing their worries and fears and helping them to focus on Him. He is passing on the "torch" (pun totally intended) to them to carry on His mission. How exciting!

This is what I'm trying to do with my podcast, speaking events, etc. I have felt a huge Breath of the Holy Spirit into me! I certainly can't forgive sins, but I can be filled with the Holy Spirit and encourage others to be filled as well! Not part of the way. Not the bare minimum...FULL of the Holy Spirit!

I hope you will also allow the Holy Spirit to take over your heart and soul! Can you imagine?!