Third Sunday of Easter
This is the season of Easter, when we celebrate the mystery that Jesus died and that God made him alive again. It is a time of knowing Jesus in a new way.
JESUS APPEARS TO THOMAS
After God raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus’ disciples continued to meet on Sunday, the first day of the week.
This Sunday the disciples were happy because last week they had seen Jesus alive, in this very room. Jesus had said to them, “Peace be with you. As God has sent me, so I send you to do what I have said and done.” Then Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
But Thomas had not been with them. Thomas said, “Unless I see and touch the nail marks in his hands and touch his side, I will not believe Jesus is alive.”
They closed the doors. But suddenly someone appeared.
“Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said, “Thomas, look at my hands… Come and touch them… And put your hand in my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!”
“Thomas,” Jesus said, “do you believe because you see me? Blessed is everyone who has not seen me and yet they believe.”
I wonder how Thomas feels seeing Jesus alive?
Alleluia! The Lord is risen! Alleluia! The Lord is risen indeed!
The Lord be with you!
This week is the Third Sunday of Easter, and the color is white.
For the next few weeks, we will be reading and hearing stories about Jesus and his disciples. Jesus died and God made him alive again. And his disciples will come to know Jesus in a new way, and they will be getting ready for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Sometimes we need to see to believe, other times we have faith, and we know.
This story about “Doubting” Thomas is found in the Gospel of John chapter 20:19-31.
I will be in Montreal this weekend with my grandsons, but I will be back in church next week.
Be well! Be safe!
