Pentecost Sunday

“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.”

Peace be with you. These are the first words Jesus speaks to his disciples when he appears to them and they are words he constantly whispers to us through the Holy Spirit. Jesus and our Heavenly Father want for us to be at peace with them, with our families, friends, neighbors, and even ourselves. And if we are willing to accept the peace that comes with receiving the Holy Spirit, then we shall find an inner strength which shall sustain us through every trial and tribulation. We shall find within our open hearts, a trusted and wise advocate who will inform our conscience, enkindle us with the fire of God’s Love, and enliven us with holiness. We shall become living and breathing imitators of Christ, giving witness to the goodness of God through the glorifying wounds we received from the world for doing what was right. So let us be ever thankful for the peace our Heavenly Father has offered us and the Spirit of Life He has given us through the sacrifice of His Beloved Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Is the peace of Jesus within us? How can we prepare and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit? How do our thoughts, words, and works breathe the Holy Spirit into the world?

O Lord, give us your peace and your Holy Spirit.

Amen.