Daily Readings - Wed Jul 03 2019

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

Chapter 20

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

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.