John 20: 24-29
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for those continued renewal and healing in the Diocese of Phoenix.
We all had some nickname that we were called as a kid. Most of the time, the names that we were known by are names that we don't want to be called anymore.
I wonder if St. Thomas feels the same way about "Doubting Thomas."
Thomas was not willing to believe because of his fear of getting hurt again. God took that fear of getting hurt in order that you may believe on this day. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead?
As a disciples, his life should point to God. St. Thomas has three profound quotes in the Bible that point to God.
1. So the disciples said to him, "Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved." But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep. So then Jesus said to them clearly, "Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him." So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go to die with him."
2. Thomas said to him, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him."
3. Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
These three quotes are the thoughts that we have in our hearts. The first quote reminds us that our lives are not our own. The second quote is the question we have in our hearts in our times of doubt and despair. The third quote, though, is the most profound: "My Lord and My God." This is the great declaration and confession of our hearts as we humble ourselves before the Lord.
There will be times in your life when hope will be far away from you. In those times when your heart is not open, remember this confession: My Lord and My God! Know that God is with you always. Take care and God Bless.
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