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On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And 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 withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” (John 20:19-23)
Look at the way this story moves. We start in the evening—move to a place where the doors are locked—to the disciples, inside—and then down to the fear in their hearts. Things are closing in, all the way.
And then Jesus comes!
And Jesus says, “Peace be with you,” and shows them His wounds. And we start moving outward again. Out from the gladness in their hearts, to Jesus breathing on them, to Him sending them into the world to share the good news of the forgiveness of sins—with the Holy Spirit working through them.
Even when it feels like the walls are closing in on us, there is no place, no time, when Jesus cannot come to us. And when He does, He brings us life and peace and gladness—and eventually, work to do in His world under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus is with us forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, come to me, and let me find peace and joy in You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- When you are afraid, how do you find help?
- When has Jesus come to you during a time of fear or suffering?
- Tell about a time when the Holy Spirit used you to help someone else.
Lenten devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
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