1Reflection for Sunday May 23, Solemnity of Pentecost: John 20:19-23

Gospel: John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “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. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of two brothers who lived in a remote rural area. These two had very different ways of life. Brother A was a good-natured man—kind-hearted, always willing to help his neighbors. He was humble, prayerful, and actively involved in their local church community.

Brother B, on the other hand, was the opposite. He was rude, addicted to vices, and full of pride. He didn’t attend church and would rather spend time with his drinking buddies than go to Sunday Mass.

Because of Brother A’s gentle and godly character, the people in their community naturally gravitated toward him. Whenever there was a conflict, they would seek his help to make peace. Every week, they would go to his house and ask him to guide and lead their prayer meetings.

Now, how does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? How does He make His presence known to us? This is a question many of us quietly carry in our hearts. Often, we long for a sign—something tangible that tells us the Holy Spirit is with us. But for many, that moment of certainty seems elusive.

The truth is this: God the Holy Spirit reveals Himself most clearly in the lives of those who walk humbly with Him—those who live in a way that is pleasing to God. The Spirit moves, like the people who were drawn to Brother A, toward hearts that are kind, prayerful, and obedient. If we desire to experience the Holy Spirit more fully, we must strive to live according to God’s Word.

In the Gospel this Sunday, we find the disciples hiding behind locked doors, afraid of those who were persecuting them. But what else were they doing there? Surely, they were also praying—asking for Jesus’ protection and strength. And their prayers did not go unanswered.

In the quiet of that locked room, Jesus appeared among them. He didn’t rebuke them for their fear. Instead, He lovingly said, “Peace be with you.” Not once, but twice. He gave them His peace—a peace that could calm any fear, a peace that promised His abiding presence. Then, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

The peace of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit are gifts that come to us when we live as faithful and prayerful followers of Christ. This divine peace does not mean we will no longer face problems or trials. Rather, it means that in the midst of life’s storms, we can remain calm, anchored in the assurance that the Holy Spirit is with us.

Do you feel His presence today? Do you sense His gentle guidance, His calming voice, His quiet strength? – Marino J. Dasmarinas