John 20:24-31
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So 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." Eight 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." Then 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." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (ESV)
Resurrection for Me
Friday in Pentecost 5
2 July 2010
The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ confirmed the faith of the witnesses of His resurrection. He wanted his disciples to know not only that He was living, but that He was living for them. For it is one thing to believe that Christ is raised, it is entirely another to believe that He is raised FOR ME. That they might be confirmed in the faith that He was raised for them and for us, Jesus showed them the now glorified signs of our salvation in his flesh. By his wounds we are healed (Is 53:5).
Leo the Great
"In the course of these and other miracles, when the disciples were harassed by bewildering thoughts, and the Lord had appeared in their midst and said, 'Peace be unto you' (Jn 20:19), that what was passing through their hearts might not be their fixed opinion (for they thought they saw a spirit, not flesh), He refutes their thoughts, which were so discordant with the truth. He offers to the doubters' eyes the marks of the cross that remained in His hands and feet, and invites them to handle Him with careful scrutiny, because the traces of the nails and spear had been retained to heal the wounds of unbelieving hearts, so that not with wavering faith, but with most steadfast knowledge they might comprehend that the nature which had been laid in the sepulcher was to sit on God the Father's throne"
Prayer
Lord Christ, You were wounded for my transgressions and raised again for my justification. Let me be healed by your wounds and given new life by your righteousness. Amen.
For all Christian believers who are suffering from the ravages of Malaria in Africa and elsewhere that they might be strengthened in their weakness
For all Christian believers that they would confess that the Word made flesh now dwells at the Father's right hand
For all parents who are forced to raise their children without the help of a spouse, that they might be faithful to their calling in service to their children
Art: PISANO, Andrea The Baptism of the Multitude 1330