Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.                 John 20 : 31

Readings today : John 20 : 19 - 31

Thought for this week

In our Gospel reading Jesus appears to the first disciples while they are in lockdown. The situation could not be more appropriate today!. The disciples gather in fear and confusion. All normality has been displaced by Jesus’ Resurrection and the resulting outcry. There is general confusion, even anger, and a mixed receiving of truth.

Jesus enters, and His words command authority and breathe new life into the disciples, and into the whole world, ‘Peace be with you’. These are the words of the Risen Lord to His broken and hurting world, to His people and to us.

Thomas voices what others are feeling. Dismay, denial, avoidance, sadness, depression…and then acceptance. Big events have these mixed effects on us. There was no bigger event than the Resurrection of Jesus, that changes the whole world and the arrival of true hope for all who would turn to Him.

Thomas does turn to Jesus, and utters the most faithful and believing cry in the whole of the Bible. ‘My Lord and My God’. Doubting Thomas he is not!

Thomas perhaps alone of the disciples realises the huge implications of Jesus’ conquering sin and defeating death. Life is truly to be found in Him. Thomas’ is a cry of those who truly believe. A cry of acceptance and of heart – felt praise. Jesus speaks to us. Is this our cry today?

Rev Paul