Pentecost Sunday (“B”)
by Paul Rooney
May 27, 2012

Q. 686: What does “sin” mean in John’s gospel?

A. 686: Many scripture scholars over the years have pointed out that the word “sin” in John’s gospel normally refers to a disbelief in, or non-recognition of, Jesus as the Son of God, as well as a lack of recognition of God’s presence in the works of Jesus. It is the mission of all disciples of Jesus to continue his work in the world, to help others recognize the presence of God in Jesus, who is God. (For easy reference: it is Matthew 16:19 which stresses the moral issues involved in sin, and the power given by Jesus to validly ordained ministers of the Church to forgive moral transgressions.)

A major point of today’s gospel (John 20:19-23) is to emphasize how much grace is at work. The disciples have been frozen in fear since the crucifixion; now the Risen Jesus gives his peace to them, removing all fear by his presence. The action of Jesus “breathing” into the disciples the Holy Spirit recalls the breath of life at the beginning of creation. Grace clearly implies and means that it is God who initiates new life. As with the receipt of any gift, the gifts or graces from God call for a response. In this case, the desired response is a “Yes” to the call to continue the mission of Jesus in the world, because they are now empowered with the very spirit of Jesus himself. This initiative of God, this divine grace, is the source of their new strength. Now they will help others recognize God in Jesus the Messiah through their witnessing and preaching the Good News of the risen Lord.

The gift of the Holy Spirit was not restricted to those first disciples. It is given to all believers (in the Catholic Tradition, through the Sacraments), to empower them to continue the mission of Jesus. Truly, it is grace at work. We can do nothing to earn this incredible gift; we can only accept it lovingly in faith, and with awesome gratitude for such a loving Giver of all gifts.

KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! We find the efficacious and undoubted sign of the forgiveness of Jesus in the sacraments of his Church (CCC 2839). By virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, validly consecrated and ordained bishops and priests have the power to forgive all sins in the name of the Most Holy Trinity (CCC 1461).

Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha

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