Reflection for Sunday 03/30/08
READINGS
First Reading: Acts 12:42-47
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 20:19-31
REFLECTION:
Why wasn’t Thomas locked in the room with the other apostles? Had he left to get supplies? Had he gone to see Jesus’ empty tomb for himself? Had he needed a little time to himself? And when he returned why didn’t he believe his friends? He had seen Jesus perform countless miracles, even raising others from the dead? Why was Jesus’ return so unbelievable? Why was Thomas unable or unwilling to trust his friends’ experience? This is an important question for us as so much of our faith depends on the witness of others. We didn’t walk the dusty roads of the Holy Land with Jesus. We know of Jesus from the Scripture writers, from centuries of tradition, from our church, our faith community, our family. We have been led to faith by others who believe. We are committed in faith but, like Thomas, sometimes our faith weakens. We become complacent in good times and disillusioned in difficult times. It is then we must open ourselves to Jesus again who reveals himself in the Word, the sacraments and his holy people. Then we can join Thomas’ joyful “My Lord and my God.”
1. What could you do this week to help strengthen the faith of someone who is faltering?
2. What could you do this week to encourage someone who is sad or discouraged?
PRAYER:
Lord, guide my actions so that others may see some reflection of your love and seek you as the source of all that is good. Amen