Daily Readings - Mon Jul 03 2017
First Reading - Ephesians 2.19-22
Ephesians
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Gospel - John 20.24-29
John
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that 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.