Pentecost
Call to Prayer:God of light, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds that we may take in the breadth of your goodness to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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."
The Gospel of the Lord
Focus: All Christians are commissioned and given the power to carry out the mission of the church: to forgive others, heal divisions, bring about reconciliation and joy to all.
Questions for reflection and sharing:
- What words are important for you in this gospel?
- Which gifts of the Holy Spirit can you identify in our community?
(Traditionally, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are found in Isaiah 11:1-3: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, piety, fortitude and fear of the Lord.)
- What do the words “I am sending you” call you to do this week?
Concluding prayer: (This is the prayer the Bishop uses at Confirmation.) All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave us new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon us to be your helper and guide. Give us the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill us with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.