Daily Readings - Mon Jul 03 2017

¹⁹So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,²¹in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.²²In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

John

Chapter 20

²⁴Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.²⁵So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."²⁶Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."²⁷Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe."²⁸Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"²⁹Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter two profound reflections on faith and our relationship with God. The first reading from Ephesians reminds us that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now citizens in the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity as the Body of Christ, a holy temple where God dwells. The Gospel, from John, presents us with the familiar story of Thomas, who doubts the resurrection of Jesus until he sees and touches the wounds of Christ. Thomas’s declaration, “My Lord and my God,” becomes a moment of profound faith, and Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing. The readings are deeply connected, as they both speak to the nature of faith and our place in God’s plan. Ephesians highlights the communal aspect of our faith, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves—a spiritual temple built on the foundation of Christ. John’s Gospel, on the other hand, focuses on the personal journey of faith, as Thomas moves from doubt to belief. Together, these readings remind us that faith is both a communal and deeply personal experience. Just as Thomas needed to encounter Christ’s wounds to believe, we too may face moments of doubt or uncertainty in our own lives. Yet, Christ’s promise to bless those who have not seen but still believe offers us hope and assurance. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. Like Thomas, we may struggle with doubts or uncertainties about God’s presence in our lives. But Christ’s words to Thomas—“Do not be unbelieving, but faithful”—are also directed to us. We are called to trust in God’s plan, even when we cannot see the full picture. At the same time, the Ephesians reading reminds us that our faith is not isolated; we are part of a larger community, the Body of Christ, and our faith is strengthened by our unity with one another. Let us strive to live as faithful citizens in God’s household, trusting in His presence and working together to build a holy temple where His love and light shine forth.