Daily Readings - Wed Jul 03 2024

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith and our place within the Body of Christ. In the first reading from Ephesians, we hear that we are no longer strangers or sojourners but are now citizens in the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity and belonging within the Church, which is likened to a holy temple where God dwells. It reminds us that our faith is not a solitary journey but one that is deeply rooted in a communal and historical tradition. The Gospel from John presents us with the familiar story of Thomas, often called "Doubting Thomas." Thomas, who was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, refuses to believe unless he can see and touch the wounds of Christ. When Jesus appears to him and invites him to do so, Thomas’s response is one of profound faith: "My Lord and my God." Jesus then blesses those who have not seen but still believe. This story highlights the human struggle with doubt and the importance of seeking evidence for our faith. Yet, it also points to the deeper truth that true faith transcends physical sight and is rooted in trust and surrender. These readings are connected by the theme of faith and community. The Ephesians passage reminds us that we are part of a larger spiritual structure, built on the foundation of those who have come before us. The Gospel story of Thomas, on the other hand, shows us that faith is not always easy or straightforward. It can be tested by doubt and uncertainty, but it is precisely in these moments that we are called to deeper trust. In our daily lives, we are challenged to live out our faith in the midst of challenges and uncertainties, trusting in God’s presence even when we cannot see or touch him. Let us remember that we are not alone in this journey; we are part of a holy temple, a living Body of Christ, and our faith is strengthened by the faith of those around us. May we, like Thomas, move from doubt to faith, and may we, like the early Christians, be living stones in the temple of God.