Lectionary: 63A
Read the Gospel: John 20:19-23
Gospel Summary
There is much to be attentive to in today’s short Gospel reading. First, Jesus appears to his disciples and says to them, “Peace be with you.” Then he says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He concludes by breathing on them the Holy Spirit, saying, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” We see these three statements hinted at in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church: “Peace be with you”—the Sign of Peace; “As the Father has sent me, so I send you”—the Dismissal of the Mass; and “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, . . .”—the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
Reflection for Parents
One of the greatest gifts we can give to our children and to our families is the gift of peace. Peace is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit, a visible sign to others that we are living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and according to the laws and commands of God. Take time today to think about the gift of Christ’s peace in your own life. Do you have the gift of Christ’s peace? Do you need the gift of Christ’s peace? Where are you called to take the gift of Christ’s peace today?
Bringing the Good News Into Your Family
On a piece of poster board or large drawing paper write the letters of the word peace vertically. Create a family Peace Acrostic by thinking of words and phrases that describe what people can do to share the gift of Christ’s peace at home, at school, at work, and in the world. For example, the letter P could stand for, “Pray for world peace every day.” Challenge family members to name as many words and phrases as they can think of. Post your Peace Acrostic in a place where all family members will see it and will be reminded to share the gift of Christ’s peace with others.
Discussion Starters
1. To me, peace means...
2. One of the most peaceful people I know is... because...
3. One place where I really feel at peace is...
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