Mass Readings: May 1
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
"One of the twelve, Thomas (the name means 'Twin'), was absent when
Jesus came. The other disciples kept telling him: 'We have seen the
Lord!' His answer was, 'I will never believe it.' " –John 20:24-25
This world of "doubting Thomases" is profoundly unimpressed by our
church services and Easter decorations. The stone is not rolled away as
far as they are concerned. It sees Christians as hypocrites, who really
don't believe the doctrines they mouth.
Jesus comes to the
doubting Thomases and says: "If you think seeing is believing, I'll give
you something to see." He shows them His wounds like He did Thomas, or
knocks them to the ground like He did Saul (Acts 9:4). He calls us, the
believers, to share all things in common and sell our property and goods
(Acts 2:44-45). Jesus makes His presence and resurrection so concrete
even doubting Thomas confesses: "My Lord and My God!" (Jn 20:28)
Will
you take resurrection risks? Will you have the courage to show your
wounds? Will you put your money where your mouth is? Will you unlock
your upper room of fear? (Jn 20:26) Jesus' resurrection Kingdom "does
not consist in talk but in power" (1 Cor 4:20). "With power the apostles
bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 4:33).
PRAYER: | "Praised be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new
birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pt 1:3). |
PROMISE: | "Although you have never seen
Him, you love Him... and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with
glory because you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation." –1 Pt
1:8-9 |
PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus Whose mercy and love has brought us "inexpressible joy!"
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