And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”

john 20:22

John 20:19-23

Reflection

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Jesus appears to his disciples in the upper room, showing them his pierced hands and feet. He gives them his peace, breathes on them, and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. Any sins they forgive are forgiven, and any sins they retain are retained.

The life of the Holy Spirit is breathed into us daily. It renews us, refreshes us, and gives us strength to carry out our Christian duties. The Holy Spirit guides us in the path of holiness and righteousness. When we are feeling abandoned by God or do not think we have the strength to do a particular task, we can call upon the Holy Spirit for that extra strength, courage, hope, and inspiration.

When we listen to the Holy Spirit in our lives, we find peace in the decisions we make and ultimately, peace in Christ. Reflect on how the Holy Spirit has influenced your life and how you can continue to renew yourself through his life-giving breath.

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Saint of the Day

St. Jacques Berthieu: 1838 – 1896

“This is what it means to be a missionary: to make oneself all things to all people, both interiorly and externally; to be responsible for everything, people, animals, and things, and all this in order to gain souls, with a large and generous heart.” St. Jacques Berthieu