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All of a sudden, on that Easter Sunday, the Jesus they presumed dead is standing among them. "Peace with you!" he says. Then there is for them an unutterable joy "when they saw the Lord". But it is not just to be a happy reunion. There is work to be done. "As the Father sent me, so am I sending you." They are being given a mission, to continue the mission of Jesus himself.
Jesus breathed on them, saying: "Receive the Holy Spirit." What Jesus does is reminiscent of the Creation story when God "breathed" over the chaos and brought order and life. He "breathed" again and Adam, the human being, comes into existence. Today, Jesus "breathes" the Spirit of his Way, of his Truth and Life, making his followers "new human beings", full of the Spirit of the Father and Jesus. Their task is to "forgive sin", that is, to bring about a deep reconciliation between people and God and among people themselves. 'Forgiving sin' involves the healing of wounds and division between God and people and between people as brothers and sisters in one family based on truth, love and justice. That is the work of the Kingdom.
My Lord and my God!
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That allowing himself to be enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit, every Christian may answer enthusiastically and faithfully to the universal call to sanctity.
Elaboration
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