Reading: John 20:21-23
Jesus said to them again:
“Peace be with you!
As the Father has sent me,
so I am sending you.”
After saying this, he breathed on them
and said to them:
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven.
If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Reflection: After the resurrection, Jesus came to his fearful disciples with the words: “Peace be with you!” They rejoiced when they saw him, after he showed them his wounds from the crucifixion. Then he breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Jesus gave the early Church the authority to be forgivers of the world’s sins. He also gave them the Holy Spirit so they could do it by his power. Without forgiveness, the world, filled with anger, violence, and revenge, returns to a state of chaos.
The Church is often perceived in the world as more of an accuser than a forgiver. And we, its members, often tend to be more accusers than forgivers. This needs to change, especially since we know who the Great Accuser is. We should identify ourselves with the Great Forgiver.
Prayer: Father, I pray that my life be filled with the strength to forgive. Thank you for forgiving my sins and debts. Forgive me for often being an accuser rather than a forgiver. I pray that, based on your forgiveness, I can forgive sinners and debtors. I pray for peace in the world. I pray that the power of Your forgiveness transforms this world, which is filled with hatred and revenge.
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