Proclaiming Thomas
This Sunday is the Feast of St. Thomas - “Doubting Thomas”. He is an apostle that we don’t know much about, but he does tell us a lot about ourselves.
Thomas was the one who said, “Unless I have seen the marks of the nails in his hands…I will not believe”. I don’t blame him for that; I’m not sure that I would have been any different in such circumstances.
But from this stance he became the first of the Apostles to proclaim, “My Lord and my God”. His transformation is remarkable in the face of the Risen Christ. He doubted because he was committed to the truth, voicing his doubts but changing and growing when faced with the Risen and wounded Christ. We continually call him the doubter, but he was also the proclaimer - how can we follow his example?
Jesus broke back into the lives of his friends, can he break in on me? Am I hesitant like Thomas? How can I go from “If only…?” to saying, “My Lord and God!”. Legend Thomas was so empowered that he went from hiding in an upper room to evangelising India, that’s not bad for someone who is called the Doubter.
Rev’d Mark
Readings for this week
Sunday 3rd July (Feast of St. Thomas)
Psalm 31: 1-6
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
do not let me ever be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
John 20: 24-29
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.’
Monday 4th – Psalm 145: 2-9, Matthew 9:18-26
Tuesday 5th – Psalm 103: 8-12, Matthew 9: 32 - end
Wednesday 6th – Psalm 115: 3-10, Matthew 10: 1-7
Thursday 7th – Psalm 105: 1-7, Matthew 10:7-15
Friday 8th – Psalm 80: 1-7, Matthew 10:16-23
Saturday 9th – Psalm 51: 1-7, Matthew 10:24-33
