"Without A Doubt!"

Please read John 20:24-31
Lectionary Scriptures Easter 2-C
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John’s words … an eyewitness to the risen Christ and to Thomas’ hurting hopes transformed into unwavering belief and faith … without a doubt!).

I’m afraid that, over the centuries, a huge “D” has been sewn onto Thomas’ robe. The word has been branded across his forehead. And fingers point as whispers are said. “Doubter". Oh my. For us “Johnny-Come-Lately’s” to the faith, we know deep within our hearts that this is a misnomer. The word “doubter” becomes such an obstacle that we often turn a deaf ear to probably the greatest affirmations of faith in all of the Scriptures. “MY LORD and MY GOD!” There is not a shred of doubt in the words that spill out from the lips of Thomas. Not one.

Of course, we do wonder why Thomas wasn’t with the others at Jesus’ first appearance in the room. That’s our nature to wonder about such things. There is no indication as to the why’s in the Scriptures. Perhaps it hurt too much for Thomas to hope. Just maybe it was that same hurting hope that brought him back into the house to be with the disciples and the others. Yes, Thomas grew up with the words of Isaiah telling of the coming of the Messiah. So have we. Yes, he walked with Jesus, listened to his teachings and witnessed miracles. And yes, he was a disciple among disciples. An eyewitness to Jesus’ crucifixion. He should have believed without any other proof. So, why should Thomas have had such a need to see Jesus, the risen Christ for himself?

Thomas heard the words “We have seen the risen Lord” from the other disciples and yet didn’t believe. Neither did the disciples when Mary exclaimed the same. Haven't we heard the very same words from those who have shared their own faith with us? … “I have seen the risen Lord.” The witness of others opens our hearts to believe but there is a need within each of us for a personal encounter with our risen Lord.

There is such beauty in these verses. Thomas voiced what he truly needed. Jesus offered only what Thomas’ heart required. To see the nail marks in Jesus’ hands. To place his hand there as well as in Jesus’ sword-pierced side. There was no mention of nail-pierced feet from Thomas nor did Jesus offer to show him those marks as further proof. The risen Lord was (and is) the Good Shepherd seeking to save the lost lamb. Jesus loved this one person enough to address Thomas’ hesitations and hurting hopes. He said, “See my hands. Put your hand in my side.” Thomas found that he had no need to do that. His affirmation of faith was immediate and it has echoed throughout the ages. “MY Lord and MY God!”

Thomas’ proclamation, without a doubt, is the clearest profession of faith, allegiance and loyalty in the Gospels. Without a doubt! “MY Lord and MY God!” Let’s remove all doubt. Jesus says that those of us who believe without seeing will be blessed. John ends this account, underlining what is most important and that is our ultimate response to Jesus Christ. When Jesus presents himself to any of us, will we fall on our knees and proclaim, without a doubt, “MY Lord and MY God”?

Prayer: God-among-us … You find us everywhere, don’t you? Behind closed doors, waiting, but not knowing what we are waiting for. Wandering among other wanderers, hoping beyond hope that we might see you for the first time or see you with greater clarity. Ready to share with another that we have indeed seen you. Praying that just one might say “My Lord and My God”. Remembering when we once said those same words. O God, make your Presence known wherever we are and in whatever way is needed to place “My Lord and My God” on our lips and no doubt within our hearts. Amen.

anna