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Gospel Reading for June 08, 2025 – John 20: 19-23
SUCH A GREAT RESOURCE
Pentecost Sunday
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.”
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Today, Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the birthday of the Church. It was when the Holy Spirit was sent to us that the apostles and their followers lost their fear of the Jews. They became bold in proclaiming the Gospel and were not afraid to face persecution. It is because it is the Spirit who gives us that push, that inspiration, that courage, to follow Jesus faithfully.
All we need to have a peaceful life comes from the Spirit. Do we find it hard to forgive? We ask the Spirit to soften heart so we may be understanding with those who wrong us. Do we feel burdened with concerns for our family, our work, etc.? We ask the Spirit to lighten our burden by de-stressing us so we may feel more relaxed and secure. Do we need to pass the bar or board exam? We ask the Spirit to help us recall all the lessons we studied and learned in school. Are we finding it difficult to understand Jesus’ teaching despite homilies and seminars we attend? We ask the Spirit to enlighten us. Are we at the crossroad of our life and are finding it hard to make the right decision? We ask the Spirit to help us discern. It is the Spirit who gives us all we need to be TRUE FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST and enjoy a TRULY PEACEFUL LIFE.
The success of projects depends a lot on our ability to tap resources. For us Christians, we have SUCH A GREAT RESOURCE. Of course, it is the Spirit of God himself! If we do not yet have a devotion to the Holy Spirit, we can start having one. Otherwise, it will be a GREAT MISSED OPPORTUNITY!
Come Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts with love!
