Word to the Wise
Sunday, April 8, 2018 - 2nd Sunday of Easter - B
[Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31]SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2018. SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER [Divine Mercy Sunday] [Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31] Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [John} The Gospel According to John has vivid characters who seem to come to faith step by step. The Samaritan woman, the royal official, the man born blind, Martha, Mary Magdalen and Thomas are all examples. Some of the steps are more dramatic than others. Thomas is shown to be a skeptical character and it takes a personal encounter in the company of the other disciples to convince him. Of course, his reply is dramatic and well known: “My Lord and my God.” Jesus’ reply to Thomas’ profession of faith speaks to the audience for whom John’s gospel was composed. They would be people who had not known Jesus personally. They are the ones who believe without seeing. Their step of faith is greater than Thomas, step. They are the ones who accept the witness of others. Those others could be you and me. Our own faith is founded on the witness that has been passed down to us. This weekend I have the honor to preside at the baptism of Jacob Francis Baker, the infant son of Craig and Christina Baker. His faith will rest on the faith of his parents, godparents and his siblings. There he will encounter Jesus personally. Baptism is the first step, but Christian life that witnesses to God’s love will make the difference long term. Today we can thank Thomas for his declaration and make it our own on behalf of Jacob and all the others who can come to faith through our witness. AMEN
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