Thamwar Monsang csc –
Readings: Acts 2: 1 – 11; 1 Cor 12: 3b – 7, 12 – 13; Jn 20: 19 – 23
In today’s Gospel, we see the Risen Lord appears and stands in the midst of his disciples, saying, ‘Peace be with you.’ These words of greeting are far more than a familiar Jewish greeting, because the peace he imparts now is the fruit of the salvation he has won on the cross for us. Moreover, this greeting of peace carries a mission: ‘As the Father has sent me, I also send you.’ However, they cannot embark on the mission of healing and peace without the help of the Spirit. So, Jesus breathes on his disciples, saying, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’
Just as God breathed life into the first man, making him a living soul, now his Son shares the intimacy of his own life with his disciples. They are to become a new humanity, recreated and empowered for their mission.
Thus, Jesus constitutes them as the new messianic community in anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit subsequent to his ascension. As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost today, let us ask the Lord to help us surrender ourselves completely to Him and to make our lives to be daily guided by his Holy Spirit.