Daily Readings - Wed Jul 03 2019

¹⁹Now, therefore, you are no longer visitors and new arrivals. Instead, you are citizens among the saints in the household of God²⁰having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the preeminent cornerstone²¹In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord²²In him, you also have been built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit

John

Chapter 20

²⁴Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus arrived²⁵Therefore, the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I will see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the place of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will not believe.²⁶And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them. Jesus arrived, though the doors had been closed, and he stood in their midst and said, "Peace to you.²⁷Next, he said to Thomas: "Look at my hands, and place your finger here; and bring your hand close, and place it at my side. And do not choose to be unbelieving, but faithful.²⁸Thomas responded and said to him, "My Lord and my God.²⁹Jesus said to him: "You have seen me, Thomas, so you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Sermon

In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, doubt, and the nature of the Christian community. The first reading from Ephesians reminds us that we are part of a larger spiritual household, built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity and purpose as believers, called to be a holy temple where God dwells. The Gospel from John presents us with the story of Thomas, who embodies the human struggle with doubt. Thomas's insistence on seeing and touching Jesus' wounds reflects our own moments of uncertainty. Yet, in this encounter, Jesus offers peace and reassurance, transforming Thomas's doubt into a profound confession of faith: "My Lord and my God." This story highlights the journey from doubt to belief, a journey we all may undertake at times. These readings remind us that faith is not the absence of doubt but the courage to seek and trust in God despite our uncertainties. As part of the body of Christ, we are called to support one another in our faith journeys, understanding that our collective strength lies in our unity and shared belief. Let us embrace our doubts as opportunities to deepen our faith, trusting in God's presence and guidance in our lives.