St Mary's War Memorial School West Wyalong eNewsletter

St Mary's Prays

Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost occurred 50 days after Easter Sunday, 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus had already gone back to Heaven so the disciples and new believers of Jesus were waiting to receive the Holy Spirit because that's what Jesus told them would happen. As Jesus wasn't with them anymore the Holy Spirit would help bring them closer to God.

We reflect upon the Gospel scripture from yesterday, John 20:19-23.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus breathed new life into his believers and left them with one of the most precious gifts, the gift of peace. We extend the invitation to you all to practice using this gift. An amazing way would be through the virtue of humility.

Humility means that we have a realistic and objective view of ourselves – understanding both strengths and weaknesses. While it’s helpful to be aware of our talents and achievements, humility doesn’t draw attention to them and knows how to accept responsibility and bounce back from failure. In addition, a humble person will listen well and is willing to serve others.