John 20: 19-23

The Feast of Pentecost reminds us that there is an important connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit We are reminded that the Church is called to be God's reconciling presence in the world This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for Christians In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among all people.

Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace ‘Peace be with you,' he says Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun: ‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and sends them to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins Both the Greek and Hebrew words for ‘spirit' can also be translated as ‘breath.'

As we celebrate this great feast of the Church's fifty days after the resurrection of

Jesus, how have we been a sign of reconciliation in our families, in our world, and among people of faith everywhere? Have we been an instrument of God's peace to everyone we meet?