John 20:22-23

"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; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained'" (John 20:22-23 RSV).

Comment:

This version of the story of Jesus' life and ministry differs from that recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, in which the disciples receive the Holy Spirit some 40 days after Jesus leaves, through the familiar image of tongues of fire descending on them in the upper room in which they have been hiding. Here Jesus breathes on them to signify the passing of the Holy Spirit. In both cases, it describes a new stage of spiritual empowerment. When they (or we) fully embrace the Christ Power within them, they are empowered to continue the Jesus Christ ministry of healing and transformation. This is a great spiritual gift, and it is also a great responsibility. Jesus has frequently cautioned his disciples not to expend time and energy in judging others. Here he emphasizes that when we know ourselves to be the forgiveness, we allow the Christ to express through us as love and forgiveness—that will be the energy we bring to the world. If we "retain the sins of any" by dwelling on them with judgment or resentment, we are creating a negative energy—for them and us—in this human experience.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed