Daily Readings - Wed Jul 03 2019

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 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.