24 Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”
But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”
26 After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”
28 Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”
30 Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. 31 But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.
Reflection
What would make us recognize Christ?
For Doubting Thomas, it was the very specific physical marks from his brutal sacrifice for our sins. But what would it be for us? What would be the thing that would make us say, “I’ll believe it when…”?
I have a feeling that when push comes to shove, we can add this nickname to Thomas all we want, but each of us could be labeled, “Doubting [insert name here]”. What would it be for us though? Someone’s kindness? Someone’s leadership? Someone’s storytelling? If we can experience and recognize Christ in relationship, in community, in sharing, there must be something that makes us see Christ’s presence.
For me, I think it’s generosity. I never seem to be immune to being surprised by the generosity of others. That’s generosity of resources, of spirit, of time, of energy. The world is filled with people who are far more generous than I am (thank goodness) and each time someone reveals that generous spirit of theirs to me, I’m always shocked. It makes me see Christ all around me, it makes me believe in the good of people, and it makes me want to be more generous. So, I guess I would say, “Unless I see the sacrificial generosity of Jesus..”
by Rachel Callender
For Pondering & Prayer
Think of three moments in your life where you felt God truly present while interacting with another person. What factor(s) made that feeling come alive to you? What does that teach you about God?
Prayer: Holy God, thank you for your generous spirit that has gifted us eternal life. May we share that with others so the world may know you. Amen.
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