The Spirit as Enabler of Forgiveness
Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”
John 20:19-23
Pentecost 8th Sunday Cycle B
In this world change is the only thing that is constant. As long as the world rotates on its axis, there is always time. And as long as we are in time, there will always be a before that would eventually change into what is after.
The Holy Spirit is the catalyst of change. Wherever and whenever the Spirit is, change happens. In the world’s beginning the Spirit hovered over the chaos and creation happened. At the annunciation, He also came upon the Blessed Virgin so that Mary became mother of Jesus who simultaneously became human. At Pentecost He descended upon the frightened apostles so that they became fearless preachers of the resurrection. In every mass the Holy Spirit is called upon the bread and wine so that they are transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit came to us at Baptism with God the Father and the Son. He came to us in the fulness of His power when we received the sacrament of confirmation. Thus, we are rightly called temples of the Holy Spirit.
However, it is very possible that we could stifle Him or even totally evict Him from our lives. How do we know if this is happening to us? St Paul talks about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. If we do not see these fruits in us, then the Holy Spirit is deprived an active role in our life.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatian 5:22-23.
The sure sign that the Holy Spirit is active in us is when we are able to forgive those who offend us. In today’s gospel, Jesus, in giving the apostles the Spirit said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” John 20:19-23 .
If you find it difficult at present to forgive someone who hurt you, worry not for it is but natural. But then ask help from Jesus who suffered greatly on the cross forgiving our sins. Beg particularly for His Spirit to soften your hardened heart.
Disclaimer: This section of the website is a personal creative writing of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views, opinion, or policies of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines South Province. For concerns on the content, style, and grammar of this piece, please contact us.
