Thomas

Readings: Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; John 20:24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and, my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt, but believe.” Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have come to believe.” John 20:24-29, NRSV

Today we commemorate the Apostle Thomas – aka Doubting Thomas. He not only doubted the Lord’s bodily resurrection, he doubted his friends who said they had seen the resurrected Jesus.

Well, I get Thomas. What a wild story. He knew Jesus had died on a cross, and now he’s up walking around? Come on.

And soon a virgin is about to give birth. Let’s face it, the Bible is full of hard-to-believe stories. Theologians over the years have attempted to explain them. The Historical Jesus movement has tried to minimize the miracles to make our faith more pragmatic. Well, good luck with that.

Our faith is full of miracles. They are happening every moment of every day. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners magazine and author of numerous books on theology, defines hope as believing in spite of the evidence and watching the evidence change. Jesus exhorts Thomas to stop doubting and believe. That’s good enough for me.

Lord, I believe. Help thou my unbelief (Mark 9:24)

May your Advent be full of miracles.

Offered by Bill Albritton, child of God.

4 thoughts on “Thomas

  1. Johnna Post author

    Thanks, Bill – I love that quote from Jim Wallis. I’ll be looking for those everyday miracles today because of your words. Peace, Johnna

  2. David Anderson

    Yes–I find my relationship to “miracles” shifting as I get a little older, and I can’t seem to care what’s true or not-true, and only what is beautiful and life-giving.

    1. Marcia Meinerth

      My lands, if I didn’t hold on to the miracles… the beliefs, I’d deflate….just like those big blow up Christmas figures we see at this time of year. Not pretty.

      1. Johnna Post author

        What a great image, Marcia. I’ll think about that the next time I see them on someone’s lawn. Peace, Johnna

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