Pentecost Sunday
Jn 20:19 - 23

       On every side of the pain is obvious. In so many lives, hopelessness and despair are tangible. Hurts, mistakes and failures have diminished all our lives. If only we could start again. If only we could give each other a second chance, another opportunity to live life over again. The 'if only' cry wells up in every human heart sometime and in some hearts all the time, calling out for a reply.

        Jesus responds to this anguish in today's gospel. After the savage brutality of Calvary had destroyed an innocent and good friend, the fear-filled disciples had locked themselves away from their enemies and even from their friends. The risen Lord comes among them bringing peace, a spirit of creative love that heals hurt and unravels the web of fear that ensnares wounded human hearts. Strengthened by this enabling power of the Spirit, the disciples are sent out into the world as messengers of forgiveness and hope. Every hurt they forgive is healed through the power of God. Every hope they rekindle is fanned into flame by the Spirit of God. This was the stupendous mystery of the first Pentecost. Jesus renews this miracle each time the people of God gather to meet the risen Lord in the Eucharist. He sends the same healing Spirit into our hearts and sends us out to be wounded healers of all whose broken lives touch ours.

         Pentecost is a focus time for healing forgiveness, a time to initiate it and to accept it. It is an opportunity not to be missed.

 

(Commentary by Tom Clancy. Taken from "Preaching the Word", Columba)