THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This weekend at Catholic mass (which you can find on TV or computer from many streaming services) the reading from John's gospel tells of the first and second time Jesus visited his Apostles after his death.  They were hidden behind locked doors for fear the same people who killed Jesus would come after them. 
 
He came to give them the power of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.  They needed the fortitude badly to allay their fears.  They needed understanding to grasp that Jesus had really risen from the dead. 

Thomas was not there when Jesus first walked into their room through closed doors.  Not til the second appearance did he see Jesus.  Blessed are those who have not seen Him, yet believe.  

The proof of the pudding is what the Apostles did after Jesus' human self, left this world and ascended into heaven.  The Apostles scattered to all parts of the earth.  They all were missionaries.  They brought Jesus' word, his teaching, wherever they went.   They, all but John, died as a martyr for their faith.  I'd say the strength of the Spirit was with them.  John, often called "the one Jesus loved", lived longest and died a natural death.

Be a believer.  Pray for the power of the Spirit to sustain you.

🕊