Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – Pentecost Sunday – Cycle C (Reading Option 1) – Sunday – John 20:19-23

Despite seeing the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene’s testimony that Christ had risen, the first Sunday evening after the Resurrection, the disciples are holed up behind locked doors, afraid of the Jews.

Jesus, as He promised (14:28; 16:16), returns, mysteriously entering despite the “locked” door.  Christ, gives them His peace, reconciling with all those who abandoned Him on the Cross.  This peace is the same peace Christ gave them at the Last Supper when He warned them not to be afraid (14:27).

As proof that He is Christ and His Body, though now glorified (Jesus has just passed through a locked door), is the same Body that was crucified and raised from the dead.  The disciples rejoice.

Drawing the disciples into actual communion, Christ breathes on them and gives them His own Holy Spirit, consecrating them as Catholic priests.  Having forgiven the disciples and reconciled with them, Jesus explicitly gives these new priests the power to forgive and retain the sins of men, establishing the Sacrament of Confession.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Christ in His Glorified Body is eternal, unbound by time and space, able to more through solid objects. The Divine Prophet, He fulfills His own words and returns to the disciples despite having been killed.  Divine King and Priest, with Divine Power, gives actual communion to the disciples by giving them the Holy Spirit. With Omniscience and Power, Jesus establishes the life-giving Sacrament of Confession.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Christ has risen and His glorified Body is mysterious and beyond our comprehension.  Take a moment and marvel at the Resurrection of the Body and that your own body will some day be glorified.  Rejoice.

2) Despite Christ’s promise of peace and directive to not be troubled/afraid, men are often filled with fear, doubt and worry.  Resolve now to put your full faith and hope in Christ, to reject fear and accept His peace.

3) You have sinned and will sin. Christ has established the Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation so that men can remain in communion with Him and be assured of Heaven.  Go to Confession ASAP.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Blessed Trinity

Virtue of the Day – Charity