Daily Readings - Tue Jul 03 2018
Ephesians
19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
John
24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25The 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.26And 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.27Then 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.28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Sermon
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and community. In Ephesians, we are reminded that we are part of a larger household of God, built on the foundation of Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our collective role as a holy temple, where each believer contributes to the strength and unity of the community. It calls us to recognize that our individual faith is not isolated but is part of a grand tapestry woven by God.
The Gospel presents us with the story of Thomas, often referred to as the doubter. Thomas’s insistence on seeing and touching Jesus’ wounds before believing highlights the human struggle with doubt. However, when Thomas finally encounters the risen Christ, his doubt turns to profound faith, declaring, “My Lord and my God.” This story reminds us that faith is not about the absence of doubt but about the courage to seek and encounter Christ, even in our uncertainties.
These readings connect in a beautiful way, showing that individual faith strengthens the community. Just as Thomas’s encounter with Christ deepened his faith, our personal experiences of God’s presence can inspire and support others. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God’s plan and to be living stones in the temple of God. Let us embrace our role in this spiritual edifice, trusting that even in moments of doubt, God’s grace can transform us and draw us closer to Him. May we, like Thomas, move from doubt to faith, and may our faith contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ.