In this week's Gospel passage, poor old Thomas has issues. Not only is he terrified because of Jesus' crucifixion, he has a hard time buying the whole bit about the Resurrection. I have always had a soft spot for Thomas -- because when he doubts the veracity of such a bold proclamation, I think he resonates with all of us on some level. "Oh, yeah, right -- sure . . . risen from the dead. Tell me more about maybe fairies and leprechauns or something . . . ". That's the kind of attitude I think he had, and justifiably so. "Not until I see the NAIL MARKS ON HIS HAND will I believe," he proclaims to the other disciples. And so, Jesus comes again -- and shows him. And Thomas says the most incredible thing when he sees the blessed and torn hands of the Risen Lord: "My Lord and my God!!!"
Jesus never had a problem with doubters. They abounded in his story and they still abound in ours. All of us are doubters at one time or another. To me, doubting simply means you ask questions, and by asking them, are searching ways to process what sometimes means the illogical and the improbable about faith in God through Christ. Thomas was a faithful disciple, and the legend has that he was the one to make it all the way to the subcontinent of India to plant Christian communities there which still exist to this day. Thomas, it could be said, went a long way in doubt -- all the way to faith. And Jesus loved him for it.
Come this Sunday, worship, pray, question -- and doubt if you like. Associate Pastor Brady Waters will be preaching about Thomas and his beautiful encounter with the Lord of Hope and Peace, Jesus Christ. See you in church!
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