Listen

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, 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. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt 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 come to believe.”

John 20:26–29

Think

It has been just a week and here they are again, back for their weekly gathering. Last time they met in a little house like this, the miraculous happened. Jesus Christ had appeared in their midst. They all remember it well and everyone is excited.

Except for Thomas. Last week he was a no-show, missing the encounter with Christ that everyone is talking about. He wants to encounter Christ just as the other disciples did. Otherwise, he’s not sure he buys it.

Sure enough, Christ shows up again, we discover, to people not so unlike us. People who doubt. People who wander. People who need to see it for themselves. Jesus shows back up to these people again and again and again.

Where will Jesus show up today? Keep your eyes open. He’s closer than you think.

John Woods

Pray

Present God, who perpetually comes to us through your Spirit, give me gratitude for your love which has plenty of room for doubt, honesty, and questioning. Amen.

Go

Be true now in what you hold to be trustworthy;
Be honest now also when you are unsure.

In any and every case, Jesus remains
Close and steadfast with an enduring love,
A love that always shows up.