Call to prayer: All loving God, you open wide your hand and satisfy the needs of all who live with your good gifts. Pour forth your Holy Spirit on our Church gathered in prayer. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 20:19-23
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.”
The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
Focus: The Holy Spirit came to the Apostles. Now they are to do what Jesus did: forgive sins, heal divisions, bring about reconciliation and joy to all. All Christians are commissioned and given power to carry on this mission.
Questions for Reflection and Sharing:
1. What are the important words for you in this reading?
2. What do the words “I’m sending you” call you to do this week?
3. What does the statement “Peace be with you” say to you?
Concluding prayer: O God, through the mystery of Pentecost, you sanctify your Church in every place and nation. Pour out the gifts of the Spirit upon the whole world, and bring to completion in our hearts the work of love which you began with your first proclamation of the kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
