Eastertide
April 7, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’ –John 20:19-23

The book of Acts describes the coming of the Holy Spirit after the ascension when the disciples were gathered together before the celebration of Pentecost. John, probably written later, indicates that Jesus blesses the disciples with the Holy Spirit before the ascension at his first visit with them after the resurrection. My best guess is that something happened both times. I am impressed with the story in Acts because it is set in the time just after the disciples decided to get with the program and start responding to Jesus instructions to go into all the world. Acts chapter one describes how the disciples held what appeared to be a routine business meeting and selected a replacement for Judas. By this rather mundane step they expressed their readiness to answer Jesus’ call and the Holy Spirit appeared to accompany them. I wonder if that same order of business applies to us today?

In John Jesus is addressing people in shock and grief, belief and disbelief, and fear. The presence of God was greatly needed by this group and it was given. Here they are tasked with a totally different responsibility, one that seemed previously and primarily to belonged to Jesus: granting forgiveness, perhaps owning that forgiveness. Think about it, these disciples had just experienced the trial and horrid execution of their leader. They most likely thought they were going to be next.  And the first topic Jesus confronts them with is forgiveness.

Being burdened with anger is very disruptive to productivity. We have all most likely been in a workplace where some event has caused a stir, and everyone is standing around debating the issue and not getting much else done. Letting go of wasted emotions is important to wholeness. Channeling those emotional energies to a higher cause can lead to positive outcomes.  The disciples knew that Jesus had already forgiven his persecutors. They knew the right path, but it is one they must take for the fruition of the Kingdom of God.

What burdens are we bearing that are holding us back from Wholeness?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.