“Receive The Holy Spirit…!”

“Receive The Holy Spirit…!”
Every year after Easter we spend considerable time reading the post resurrection appearances of Jesus. We read about the unbelief of those who were more intimate with Jesus and his teachings. We wonder whether rather than being hostile to those who doubt the resurrection power today, we shouldn’t be sympathetic towards them!
That notwithstanding, the importance of justifying the post resurrection appearances are the lessons we learn from them.
In the gospel according to John when Jesus appeared to the disciples, his words to them was, “Peace be with you!” And while they were overjoyed to see him, he repeated, “Peace be with you! As my Father sent me, I am sending you.” He then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them they are not forgiven.”
One week later he appeared to them again with the same message of peace. This time around doubting Thomas was present. Jesus told him, “…Stop doubting and believe. Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”(Jn.20:19-29).
Even today, the Risen Lord Jesus Christ is offering us that “peace which passes all understanding.” “Peace sweet peace that knows no ending…!”
Jesus empowers us with the Holy Spirit to be messengers of the gospel, forgiving the sins of people depending on whether they have accepted him as Lord and Saviour or not! We should not take advantage of this and refuse to forgive those whom we think have hurt our egos and pride! It changes nothing with God! “God does not forgive people’s sins because we do so, nor does he withhold forgiveness because we do.” Therefore, rather than not forgiving others, the peace that we have received from Christ, “pass it on to others!”
The words of the risen Lord to Thomas is resounding and reverberating in our ears; penetrating our hearts like an echoe in a large forest: “Stop doubting and believe…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I believe in you the Risen Lord. Thank you for breathing the Holy Spirit on me and for the offer of your peace. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!