John 20:19-23
And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” – John 20:22
Yesterday, Christians around the world celebrated Easter. Rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ and greeting one another with blessings of peace and grace. But on the evening of Jesus’ resurrection, the scene was very different.
That night, the doors were locked. The eleven disciples were hiding in a dimly lit room. The cries from the cross still echoed in their ears, and their minds were filled with the images of brutal torture. They were afraid of persecution from the Jewish leaders and even more afraid that they themselves were now targets. They were confused, helpless, and uncertain of what lay ahead… and then, suddenly, the risen Christ appeared among them and said:
“Peace be with you!”
This was no ordinary greeting! It was a proclamation that pierced the darkness. The Jesus whom they had only heard rumours about being alive now stood before them, showing them His nail-pierced hands and wounded side. This wasn’t to stir up grief, but to declare: Death has been defeated! Fear no longer has a hold. The disciples moved from fear to joy. This is the story of every believer. When we encounter the risen Lord, fear loses its power.
“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”
These words from Jesus transformed the disciples’ identity. They were no longer hidden failures but messengers with a mission. This sending out wasn’t based on their abilities, but it was rooted in Christ’s authority. Just as the Father sent the Son into the world, the Son now sends His disciples into the world.
Then, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This moment echoes the creation scene, when God breathed life into Adam. It marks a new beginning. The authority to forgive sins is not reserved for a few individuals, but is given to the whole faith community. We are all called to be vessels of God’s grace.
Brothers and sisters, today we too are often hiding behind locked doors. Afraid of how the world sees us. Anxious about the cost of following Christ. Yet the risen Lord still comes through the barriers of our hearts, bringing His peace and His purpose. His appearance is not to keep us in our comfort zones, but to send us into a world in need of light.
Reflection:
What are the “locked doors” in my life that block the peace of Christ? Is it my doubt? My worry? My busyness? How do I view my identity as one sent by Christ? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me to be His witness at home, in my workplace, and beyond?
Prayer:
Risen Lord, break through my fear and doubt, and grant me Your true peace. Help me to understand the mission that You have entrusted to me. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, may I live a life of forgiveness and love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Yesterday, Christians around the world celebrated Easter. Rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ and greeting one another with blessings of peace and grace. But on the evening of Jesus’ resurrection, the scene was very different.
That night, the doors were locked. The eleven disciples were hiding in a dimly lit room. The cries from the cross still echoed in their ears, and their minds were filled with the images of brutal torture. They were afraid of persecution from the Jewish leaders and even more afraid that they themselves were now targets. They were confused, helpless, and uncertain of what lay ahead… and then, suddenly, the risen Christ appeared among them and said:
“Peace be with you!”
This was no ordinary greeting! It was a proclamation that pierced the darkness. The Jesus whom they had only heard rumours about being alive now stood before them, showing them His nail-pierced hands and wounded side. This wasn’t to stir up grief, but to declare: Death has been defeated! Fear no longer has a hold. The disciples moved from fear to joy. This is the story of every believer. When we encounter the risen Lord, fear loses its power.
“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”
These words from Jesus transformed the disciples’ identity. They were no longer hidden failures but messengers with a mission. This sending out wasn’t based on their abilities, but it was rooted in Christ’s authority. Just as the Father sent the Son into the world, the Son now sends His disciples into the world.
Then, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This moment echoes the creation scene, when God breathed life into Adam. It marks a new beginning. The authority to forgive sins is not reserved for a few individuals, but is given to the whole faith community. We are all called to be vessels of God’s grace.
Brothers and sisters, today we too are often hiding behind locked doors. Afraid of how the world sees us. Anxious about the cost of following Christ. Yet the risen Lord still comes through the barriers of our hearts, bringing His peace and His purpose. His appearance is not to keep us in our comfort zones, but to send us into a world in need of light.
Reflection:
What are the “locked doors” in my life that block the peace of Christ? Is it my doubt? My worry? My busyness? How do I view my identity as one sent by Christ? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to lead me to be His witness at home, in my workplace, and beyond?
Prayer:
Risen Lord, break through my fear and doubt, and grant me Your true peace. Help me to understand the mission that You have entrusted to me. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, may I live a life of forgiveness and love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.