John 20:19-31
When I was in grade school, some friends decided I should have a nickname. They each had names that were easily shortened, such as Sue for Susan or Deb for Deborah, so I suddenly became “Dee Dee.” I hated that name! I told them repeatedly to stop calling me that. Finally, they realized how much I didn’t like it, and they stopped using it. This makes me very sympathetic to poor Thomas. His nickname of “Doubting Thomas” has stuck for centuries!
We read in the gospel of John that the disciples are gathered behind locked doors, scared. Thomas wasn’t there.
Then the disciples gather again. Still behind locked doors. Still scared.
But Jesus’ visit is for more than just Thomas. Notice that the doors are still locked, the disciples are still cautious and afraid for their physical safety. Jesus comes face-to-face with their quiet anxieties to love them up close and to encourage their faith.
THREE TIMES
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness three times.
He foretold his suffering and death three times.
Peter denied Jesus three times.
Jesus asked Peter if he loved him three times.
And here, the risen Jesus appears with his disciples to declare peace three times.
The first time, Jesus shows them his hands and his side, scarred with the truth of what he had foretold: Jesus really suffered and died. And it is really him standing in front of them.
The second time, Jesus breathes on them. The gesture reminds us of the Creator filling Adam’s earthen form with breath in the garden. The disciples are being reborn and sent back into the world. Their baptismal promise is being fulfilled, and they are rising with Christ to new life that begins right then and there!
Perhaps this story leaves us waiting for a third appearance behind locked doors. Divine presence comes uniquely in each of our lives, often when we least expect it, when we’re most closed off, when we are holed up and afraid. Christ enters the doors of our hearts and invites us into the peace He brings, wrapping us in the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Listen:
Christ Still Rises https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO6ldm11bAg
Vs. 2 Christ still rises when we give to neighbors,
When we share our labors, When strangers belong.
Christ still rises when we come together, When love is our tether,
When hope is our song. Christ still rises when grieving is ended,
When bodies are mended, When beauty heals pain.
Christ still rises when fear has retreated, When death is defeated
And joy will remain, And joy will remain.
(text: David Bjorlin, music: Benjamin Brody)
Question for Reflection:
- How have you experienced the gift of God’s peace during a difficult time? Perhaps a friend sat with you in a time of grief? Perhaps someone shared a meal with you when you were feeling lonely? Perhaps someone went out of their way to show you kindness just when you needed it most?
Prayer:
Spirit of God, you fill us with life. We often forget Your might, but today we remember: the same Spirit who had the power to raise Jesus from the dead is alive in us. This is miraculous resistance and forgiveness meant for the whole world! Send us out to share it in your name. Amen.
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