Eastertide
April 8, 2018
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31
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 him, ‘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
I would have wanted to see Jesus alive too. I would have deeply regretted not being there when he appeared. And I rejoice that Thomas had the opportunity to touch Jesus’ hands and side. I rejoice even more that the disciples told their stories emphatically enough that 2000+ years later I had the opportunity to know this person Jesus and learned to love him without seeing his hands or touching his side. As disciples of Christ, we are all called to share that message throughout the world.
Legend has it that Thomas took his message of Christ to the people of India and was very successful. Sharing the message of Jesus is tricky in today’s cynical society. I was listening to a video report from an advocacy coalition this week. The first two speakers represented faith-based groups. Both spoke shortly and eloquently about the need to improve public education in Okla. One of those running commentary post popped up on my screen while they spoke asking why faith-related people should open the presentation. My impression was the author of the popup had had one too many dealings with representatives of faith-based groups whose ideas were alien to the author. A lot of faith-based ideas put forth are alien to me. A quick review of Acts and the letters in the New Testament indicate that problem existed from the beginning.
Two thoughts strike me as I consider this conundrum. First, our actions speak louder than our words. People judge us by our love. Our words mean more if we live them in every aspect of our lives. Second, we are called to do justice and have a responsibility to tell our stories of God’s love whenever possible. We do not need to get into verbal duels or toss scriptures at one another, but it is important that we share our stories just as the first disciples including Paul and Silas and others did even as others were providing a differing viewpoint.
Prayer: Lord, help us represent you well to the people we encounter. Amen.