"Receive the Holy Spirit"

On the evening of the first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for the fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he said this he showed them his hands and 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.

Consideration: Jesus is clear and direct to his disciples; telling them that they are now being sent on a mission. Just as the Father sent him on a mission; now it is their turn. He blesses them with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and gives them the authority to forgive, or retain sin. Praise be Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Amen!