‘Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”’ From today’s Gospel, John 20:19-23.
This is not the usual account of Pentecost, that given in Acts chapter 1 where Luke tells of the coming of the Holy Spirit as tongues of flame and a rushing, mighty wind. This is St John’s account of Jesus appearing to his bewildered followers who have betrayed and deserted him and now locked themselves in the Upper Room in Jerusalem out of fear of what may happen next. They’re also endeavouring to come to terms with his terrible death and rumours that he may be alive. Amidst this turmoil, rather than giving up on the disciples, Jesus comes to them and says, “Peace be with you” as he shows them the marks of the wounds he suffered. Seeing his scars, the disciples realise that this really is Jesus and not only does he bring them peace, Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This gentle breath, rather than the mighty wind of Acts, is what those frightened disciples needed as their lives begin to be transformed by the love of Jesus and, despite their failings, they are then commissioned by him to forgive sins, just as they have been forgiven. That same spirit and transformation is still at work today as, despite the turmoil and uncertainty of our world and lives now, we too can find the peace and hope that Jesus still brings to his followers, even if we struggle to understand or accept what is happening, like those first disciples.
This compassion and gentleness was also shown in the life of Melangell as she came to terms with profound change here in the valley after rescuing a hare and refusing to hand it over to Brochwel, Prince of Powys. As her feast day is marked today, thanks are given for Melangell’s life, example and church in the following prayer, found in the archives here:
We thank you, Lord God, for the life and prayer of your servant, Melangell. May her care and compassion for all your creatures inspire us in our day with the same concern for all that you have made. May we, with her learn, to find your glory in the world around us and in all that you give us. We ask this in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
With my prayers,
Christine, Priest Guardian.