Day 30: Easter Monday

Mary Magdalene comes, reporting to the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had said these things to her. Then, it being evening on that day, on the first of the week, and the doors being shut where the disciples were gathered for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood into the midst, and says to them, Peace be to you. And saying this, He showed them His hands and side. Then the disciples rejoiced, seeing the Lord. Then Jesus said to them again, Peace be to you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And saying this, He breathed into them and says to them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit1. Whosever sins you forgive, they are forgiven to them; whosever you retain, they are retained. John 20:18-23

While the Lord was in the world, He Himself taught Divine truth; but when He was glorified, which was after the resurrection, He taught it through angels and spirits. This holy thing which proceeds from the Lord and flows into man through angels and spirits, whether manifestly or not manifestly, is “the Holy Spirit” there mentioned; for it is the Divine truth that proceeds from the Lord that is called “holy” in the Word… This is why the Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of Truth” ...and also why, when the Lord departed from the disciples, “He breathed into them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Spirit.” Arcana Coelestia 9818:14-15

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