Receive the Holy Spirit

06-02-2019Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing

"Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." Jn. 20:23

The Lord instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation after his resurrection, he breathed upon them, and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit…” It is the belief of the Fathers of the Church that by this uplifting action of Jesus, and the words that followed this gift, the power of forgiving and retaining sins was granted upon the Apostles and their lawful successors. This was the will of the Father expressed through the Son, the power to reconcile the faithful who have fallen after their baptism. (Council of Trent, De Penetentia, chap. 1)

In what ways do the gifts of the Holy Spirit empower me to work for the good of others? Do I keep my heart open to the Spirit through the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Be in God,

Fr. Bing