The Gospel Reading from this weekend is from John 20, with the highlight being Thomas, who, in this moment earns the moniker Doubting Thomas. It is easy to see his doubt, sure. It’s easy to hear finger-wagging Jesus scolding Thomas. And yet, is Jesus really scolding Thomas as much as he is stating a truth of humanity and extending an invitation. The truth of humanity is we doubt God is who He says he is. The invitation is to Trust that God is Truth and will do what he says.
Once upon a time I thought it a little odd that Jesus lets Thomas stick his fingers in His wounds, healed though they are. And this is precisely the place where my darkened intellect suddenly and brightly illumined a deep part of my being. Jesus answered Thomas’ prayer and then – as Jesus often does, broadens, deepens the reality of what’s happening.
Let’s look at this for a moment.
WE know Jesus is God, in part from this testimony recorded for all time.
We believe, we have faith, we live in hope because Thomas is honest (or authentic as kids say these days) with the One who Loves him completely.
We also know that John in recording Thomas’ question and Jesus’ response is pointing both to the Truth of Jesus’ resurrection, that Jesus is alive! He is Risen! And that having questions and coming to deeper faith is a reality.
Thomas’ honest before God is grounding. That Thomas experiences the freedom to ask the question, to wait to see Jesus’ wounds, and Jesus who was not physically present when Thomas questioned the rest of the Apostles, answers Thomas’ prayer in such a tangible way. Oh my heart! It is okay to ask questions, to seek tangible answers, and also to be ready to have such deep intimacy with God.
Intimacy.
Oh sweet sublime grace.
Thomas seeks intimacy with Jesus and Jesus answers without hesitation. At the right time, when all the other Apostles were there to bear witness and to rejoice with this son who has come to this intimate relationship with God.
Thomas leaves this encounter alive, recreated in such a way that his earthly life still has a deep impact in Christianity in India. This encounter Thomas had with Jesus confirmed, affirmed the entire experience with Jesus. All those years walking with Jesus come into clear focus and Thomas leaves with his whole being changed forever. He is a new creation in Christ.
Over the last six years specifically and over the last thirty-five years generally the experience of “flip the script” happens more and more. Everything is there in Scripture and in Church teaching – yet there are times when I know my heart was not open to seeing the deeper truth of what’s going on. While I’m not sure I can fully explain what is shifting in my heart here I can say this, I am incredibly grateful to be able to read, and to know that
Peter denied Jesus and Jesus restored him to right relationship
Thomas dared to ask the question and Jesus answered his questions completely and tangibly
John ever faithful and teaching the Church endured a lot of persecution – the isolation of 2020 reveals a lot about isolation in general
Testimony can be given for each of the Apostles regarding the bringing the already and not yet of the Kingdom of God.
I am currently working on a class on prayer for the parish where we attend. Please hold me in prayer as I work on this.
God bless!
Teri
A Quilter's Heart 