John 20:19-31   http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=4361804

The Devil tried to infiltrate heaven, and he appeared as Jesus.  He was challenged and asked, “Who is the King of Glory?”  “I am,” he said, as he spread his unmarked hands, exposing himself as an  imposter.

“Unless I see & feel, I will not believe.” 

            Opposite of faith NOT doubt, but apathy, boredom.

Doubt, skepticism are ESSENTIAL to a vital faith!

            This is what Thomas models for us.

We don’t know why he was absent that night.  Grief?  Disillusionment?  Perhaps running an errand?  Remember, the blessed apostles were not joined at the hip.  So when Thomas is back in the community, he says to them simply,

            “Prove it.  How can I know?”

So when Christ is once again in their midst, he reaches out to Thomas – who exclaims, “My Lord & my God!”  Why not, “My friend and my teacher!”?  That was true too.  But the presence of the Risen Christ, bearing the wounds of the Crucified Christ, left no doubt in Thomas’ heart.

            Sacrifice marks us.  When we make a sacred gift (the word have a shared root) it marks us, leaving a reminder of the cost.  And for what do we sacrifice?  For what we value, what we believe in, what we cherish. 

            It is for God’s work in the world that we sacrifice.  We give a portion of our wealth for the health of the community; we give special gifts to help those in need – disasters (through such organizations as Episcopal Relief & Development), at Christmas time, and through year-round charity…  We give time we never get back – at least not in minutes or as comp time – to drive or visit or teach someone.  To be a friend.  To be Christ (and not “like” Christ!  For you are a Christian, means  “little Christ!”).  We give of our unique abilities – music to worship, artistry to advertising, leadership and understanding and craft to Body of Christ.  All leave a mark – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Unless I see & feel…” 

            This story has important significance of the Christian community and how we live out our faith.  Notice that:

·         nobody tracks down Thomas for missing Jesus.  Thomas’s a big boy.  We don’t know why he was absent, but it was his choice.

·         Thomas doesn’t assume he isn’t loved because he missed Jesus.  He simply states that he wants to experience what they did, and remains with the group.

·         Jesus doesn’t scold Thomas (“You made me come back just for you!”), and Thomas accuses no one of not caring for him.  He holds himself responsible. 

·         We see the post-Resurrection Christ manifest primarily within the community.  Christ is everywhere, true, but most powerfully present in the Body gathered. 

Lewis Groce, Trinity’s Good News, Trinity Lutheran Church of Tullahoma, TN (May 2006)

“Unless I see & feel…”

            It’s the scars that prove it’s Jesus – risen in new life; one not divorced from the old, but perfected.  Not a ghost, or an imposter, or a hallucination.

            And Jesus breathed.  He breathed the Holy Spirit on them.  (The word used here is unique in the Greek scripture; it echoes God creating Adam by breathing life into the clay).  The Apostles “breathed in” Jesus that day, and it changed them forever.

            So, Christians – breathe in Jesus!  Fill you lungs with the Holy Spirit.  Live a life of sacrifice, for God’s sake.  An Apostle is “one who hands over to another.”  We are all commissioned by Jesus’ breath to be apostles, handing Jesus to the world thru word & action. 

In the Resurrection we don’t have to live like refugees.

We get to live as apostles to:

1) gather,
2) train our eyes to recognize Jesus,

3) act in bold confidence. 

Peter says – “we must obey God rather than humans.”  So, brothers & sisters:  forgive boldly, love boldly, proclaim boldly, serve boldly. 

            For Christ is Risen!

            The Lord is Risen indeed, Alleluia!