Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 103; Genesis 2:4b-17; John 20:19-31; Acts 2:1-13; Psalm 139
Today’s Gospel reading reveals one of the most wonderful sides of Jesus – at least in my opinion: the reading reveals the depth of Jesus’ care for his followers (what we often call pastoral care these days when it is carried out by Jesus’ ordained followers). Let me tell you where I see this concern demonstrated. In the story, Jesus first appeared to all of the disciples except one – Thomas, who was absent at the time. When Thomas heard the accounts of Jesus’ appearance, he didn’t believe them. Now when Jesus later reappeared to all of the disciples including Thomas – he could have played the role of disciplinarian and chided Thomas. Jesus’ also could have taken the role of moralist and humiliated Thomas by publicly mocking him for his lack of faith. Jesus’ chose to take neither of those approaches, however. Instead, Jesus’ did something radical. Having been made aware of Thomas’ earlier statement of need – “unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my fingers in those nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it” – Jesus offered to meet that need. If you are like me, you might find it easy to bury your requests that you are tempted to lift to God. You might bury them for a variety of reasons. Today’s story invites us to stop burying them and have the courage to give them voice. Of course all of our requests won’t be met (or perhaps I should say, “Met in the exact fashion we might envision”), but they will be heard. The power in having Thomas’ courage in lifting our requests is that it keeps our communication lines with God open and enhances our sense of intimacy with our Creator. Let us then give thanks for the One whose love and grace encourages and empowers us to bring our whole selves – requests and all – into our transforming relationship with God. Til next time…
Today’s Gospel reading reveals one of the most wonderful sides of Jesus – at least in my opinion: the reading reveals the depth of Jesus’ care for his followers (what we often call pastoral care these days when it is carried out by Jesus’ ordained followers). Let me tell you where I see this concern demonstrated. In the story, Jesus first appeared to all of the disciples except one – Thomas, who was absent at the time. When Thomas heard the accounts of Jesus’ appearance, he didn’t believe them. Now when Jesus later reappeared to all of the disciples including Thomas – he could have played the role of disciplinarian and chided Thomas. Jesus’ also could have taken the role of moralist and humiliated Thomas by publicly mocking him for his lack of faith. Jesus’ chose to take neither of those approaches, however. Instead, Jesus’ did something radical. Having been made aware of Thomas’ earlier statement of need – “unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my fingers in those nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it” – Jesus offered to meet that need. If you are like me, you might find it easy to bury your requests that you are tempted to lift to God. You might bury them for a variety of reasons. Today’s story invites us to stop burying them and have the courage to give them voice. Of course all of our requests won’t be met (or perhaps I should say, “Met in the exact fashion we might envision”), but they will be heard. The power in having Thomas’ courage in lifting our requests is that it keeps our communication lines with God open and enhances our sense of intimacy with our Creator. Let us then give thanks for the One whose love and grace encourages and empowers us to bring our whole selves – requests and all – into our transforming relationship with God. Til next time…
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