Daily Readings - Sun Jun 04 2017
Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 12.3b-7, 12-13
1 Corinthians
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Gospel - John 20.19-23
John
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s role in uniting and empowering the Church. In the second reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that while there are diverse gifts and ministries, they all come from the same Spirit. He uses the analogy of the body to emphasize that just as each part of the body has a unique function, so too does each member of the Church have a unique role to play in building up the Body of Christ. This passage encourages us to recognize and value the diversity of spiritual gifts among us, while remaining united in our shared mission.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus appearing to his disciples after the resurrection. Despite their fear and the locked doors, Jesus brings them peace and sends them out on a mission. By breathing on them and giving them the Holy Spirit, he empowers them to forgive sins and to continue his work in the world. This moment is foundational for the Church’s understanding of its mission and identity. Just as the disciples were sent out in the power of the Spirit, so too are we called to live as missionary disciples, sharing the peace and reconciliation of Christ with others.
These readings remind us that the Holy Spirit is the source of unity and diversity in the Church. The Spirit binds us together as one Body, even as it equips each of us with unique gifts and callings. In our daily lives, we are called to recognize the Spirit’s presence within us and among us. Let us ask for the grace to embrace our diverse roles, to work together in harmony, and to be open to the Spirit’s guidance. May we, like the disciples, be instruments of God’s peace and reconciliation in a world that so desperately needs it.