Seeing and believing
Prayer
Contemporary Lectionary Prayers
Based Upon Cycle C Lectionary Gospels
Gospel Theme:
Seeing and believing
Gospel Note:
Often forgotten in John's well-known account of Thomas' disbelief is the fact that Jesus had already shown the other disciples his wounds (v. 20), so that Thomas was merely asking for the evidence that the others had received without requesting it. Also, despite the fact that John conveys here Jesus' blessing upon those who believe without seeing, yet he himself claims that he has related all these 'signs'' in order to inspire belief. Thus the author apparently is not extolling blind belief, as is sometimes suggested.
Liturgical Color:
White
Suggested Hymns:
Come, You Faithful! Raise The Strain
That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright
Look, The Sight Is Glorious
The Head That Once Was Crowned
64
Easter 2
The disciples were huddled in fear behind locked
doors when Jesus appeared in the room.
Thomas missed out and he was not happy about it!
He probably had good reason for being out.
He may have been out shopping for the group,
or taking samples of public sentiment,
or simply strolling to release tension.
He missed out and he was upset.
When he heard the report of the others he
did not believe them.
Eight long days passed. Eight lost days.
I wonder, how many days have we lost because of
our doubts and questions, Lord?
It would be embarrassing to add them up.
I am grateful for Thomas. He expressed feelings
which I am reluctant to express. The words which
Jesus directed to him, are also directed toward
all of us:
''Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
believe.''
We believe, Lord. We believe.
Amen.
65
Seeing and believing
Gospel Note:
Often forgotten in John's well-known account of Thomas' disbelief is the fact that Jesus had already shown the other disciples his wounds (v. 20), so that Thomas was merely asking for the evidence that the others had received without requesting it. Also, despite the fact that John conveys here Jesus' blessing upon those who believe without seeing, yet he himself claims that he has related all these 'signs'' in order to inspire belief. Thus the author apparently is not extolling blind belief, as is sometimes suggested.
Liturgical Color:
White
Suggested Hymns:
Come, You Faithful! Raise The Strain
That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright
Look, The Sight Is Glorious
The Head That Once Was Crowned
64
Easter 2
The disciples were huddled in fear behind locked
doors when Jesus appeared in the room.
Thomas missed out and he was not happy about it!
He probably had good reason for being out.
He may have been out shopping for the group,
or taking samples of public sentiment,
or simply strolling to release tension.
He missed out and he was upset.
When he heard the report of the others he
did not believe them.
Eight long days passed. Eight lost days.
I wonder, how many days have we lost because of
our doubts and questions, Lord?
It would be embarrassing to add them up.
I am grateful for Thomas. He expressed feelings
which I am reluctant to express. The words which
Jesus directed to him, are also directed toward
all of us:
''Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
believe.''
We believe, Lord. We believe.
Amen.
65
