Today is often called “Doubting Thomas Sunday” because this Sunday features the story of Thomas. This is the beginning of our ongoing journey in the Resurrection.
Our invitation to worship was the reminder that our job as believers in the Paschal mystery includes sharing so others can believe in Jesus’ saving work. Our first lesson from the Acts of the Apostles was Peter’s trial and declaration that he must tell the redeeming story of Jesus, not simply the story people want him to tell. The Psalmist’s refrains were reminders of God’s providence and defeat of our enemies and sins. The New Testament reading from the Revelation to John recounts the reality of Jesus, that he is the beginning and the end and source of life and removes our sin. Our Gospel from John is the account of the disciples in the upper room who saw Jesus and the classic “Doubting Thomas” story where Thomas declares that Jesus is “My Lord and my God!”
We are reminded that the life of faith, for most people, isn’t orderly or linear. Likewise, there are or will be things which try to get in the way of our faith. Our readings today tell us that the difficulties we experience are not unique to us, through time there have been questions and doubts. This is the blessing we receive as believers, no matter how we come to believe we are blessed or enriched. Just because we see Thomas asking for a sign, he is the only one in those early stories who didn’t have a chance to see Jesus; Mary, then all the disciples except Thomas, saw Jesus. Why would Thomas not need a sign? Thomas voices our inmost feelings and is included in the family of God, almost in spite of his doubt. Who leads us forward with their different path to God?
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Acts 5:27-35; Psalm 118:14-29; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31.
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/easter-2-sermon
Blessings,
Les+