(Gospel verses at the end of this commentary)
Observation:
The gospel passage is one of the several Resurrection narratives of John, which comprise most of the last two chapters of the gospel. Just before this gospel passage are the narratives on the empty tomb which were found by Mary of Magdala, Peter and John; and the appearance of the gardener to Mary who was not immediately recognized by the latter. Following this passage are the accounts of the “doubting Thomas,” the appearance to the seven disciples where Jesus prepared some grilled fish for them, and finally, the dialogue between Jesus and Peter.
The highlight of this passage is clearly the breathing of the Holy Spirit by Jesus on the disciples; and in the same breath (pardon the pun), their empowerment to forgive sins.
Interpretation:
In all the Resurrection narratives, John (as well as the other gospel writers) emphasize the following aspects:
- The tomb was empty. Therefore, Jesus bodily resurrected. We are not dealing here with just a spiritual resurrection (as some liberal theologians may suggest).
- At the same time, Jesus resurrected body is transformed. It is no longer the same as before. He was not immediately recognized by Mary of Magdala who thought she was talking to simply a gardener; nor by the two people walking towards Emmaus, who thought Jesus was a visiting tourist.
In this particular passage, John also describes Jesus as being able to somehow walk through walls since “Jesus came and stood in their midst” (20:19), even though the “doors were locked” (20:19).
The use of “breath” is particularly significant. Since breathing is the most obvious sign of life, the phrase “breath of life” is used frequently in the Bible to mean “alive” or “living.”. “The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7) In this passage, the use of breath indicates that Christ’s Resurrection now ushers a new creation.
“What Jesus is doing is giving the disciples, as like a second act of creation, the very breath of God and, just like in Genesis, this breath will transform them and enable them to do extraordinary and powerful actions. Many such actions are recorded in Acts of the Apostles: speaking in foreign languages, converting large crowds instantaneously, performing miracles, healing the sick and many others.”[1]
It is also noteworthy that Jesus clearly associates the breathing of the Holy Spirit with the forgiveness of sins. It signifies that new life starts with our reconciliation with God.
Generalization:
Pentecost is a dual birthday celebration. It is the birthday of the Church (as we traditionally recognize). It also reminds us of our new spiritual life which starts with our reconciliation with God, and accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.
Application:
The gospel passage reminds us that receiving the Holy Spirit is like Jesus breathing new life to us, and that with this new life comes the same power that the early disciples received. This power enabled them to do many great things.
Discussion Questions:
- What great things have you accomplished for God and God’s people?
- Have you hidden in the comfort of “doing little things” or have you ventured outside your comfort zone by trying to accomplish God-sized goals for the Kingdom? In what ways have you done either the first or second?
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.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. † The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 (Jesus) said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
[1] Neil Guillemette, S.J. Hungry No More. Manila: St. Paul Publications, 260.
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