It’s understandable that the apostles were frightened after Jesus’ crucifixion. An angry mob had just demanded His execution. As His followers, could they not be next? But Jesus came to comfort them amid their fear, doubts, and suffering. The locked door they hid behind could not keep Jesus from tending to their needs. Twice He says, “Peace be with you.” Then He breaths the life-giving breath of the Holy Spirit on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” In their need, Christ not only brings the comfort of His presence, but He also brings the strength of the Holy Spirit. His disciples are transformed from feeling like abandoned followers, quaking behind locked doors, to empowered preachers to whom Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Locked doors are no match for Jesus. What are our locked doors? Fear of intimacy with God, and what that intimacy will require of us? An overscheduled life, full of much activity but not much meaning? Spiritual boredom or the lack of energy or desire to go deep with God? No matter what our “locked doors” are, Jesus can walk right through them, bringing His peace and strength to sustain us. Jesus gave us His Church so that we can feel His presence. Let us build up this wonderful gift by supporting the Catholic Ministry Appeal, which brings the light of Christ to our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for your support of the Catholic Ministry Appeal. We are at 31% of our goal.
If every family donated $81.00 we would reach our goal of $ 87,986.00.
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