Gospel Summary
Because they still did not understand all that Jesus had told them, the disciples were huddled together, frightened, in a room. The doors locked, notwithstanding, Jesus entered the room and greeted the disciples with a sign of peace. Some have interpreted this sign of peace as more than the all be well with you, variety but more of the shalom type which entails a perfect harmony with God. In any case, the disciples received the Holy Spirit and came to understand the peace Jesus intended. The authority and power to forgive sins was also given to the Church at that time.
Reflection for Families
Children often come to parents frightened about one thing or another. It is a parent's job to calm their fears and generally parents do a pretty good job. But sometimes, a parent's doubts or concerns are the same as their children's. When this happens, parents are not always sure how to answer them and after reading today's Gospel we may think that our faith is not strong enough. But doubt does not necessarily mean a lack of faith. Sometimes the best thing parents can do is tell their children they wonder about the same things their children do and then together think about how our faith helps us answer the concern. Generally, these conversations revolve around a serious illness or death in the family and what happens when we die. It's not lack of faith that causes us to not know. It is a lack of knowledge, because it's true, none of us knows exactly.
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Since this Gospel passage reminds us that the Church received the power to forgive our sins, this might be a good time to talk about reconciliation as a family and how receiving forgivenessÐfrom one another or through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, helps us heal and grow. If you family did not receive the sacrament during Lent, this might be a good time to go as a family.
Discussion Starters
1. I'm a lot like disciples because ...
2. I was afraid, but felt the peace of Jesus when ...
3. The best part about forgiving (or being forgiven) is ...
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