He is to be Believed

Today’s Gospel Text: Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." John 20:24-29

Reflection: This statement of Thomas the Apostle should gladden the cockles of the hearts of the rationalists and the atheist and the scientist who give much precedence to reason.

"Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." (vs. 25c)

Not that we are against reason but we hold that reason is necessary and but it has its limitations and that through faith reason is lifted to a higher level because faith fills up the gaps which our leaves behind while believing.

Hence here too, we make not a statement of faith but argue on reason so that the world may the value of believing in Christ Jesus in order to grow wise. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (vs. 29b)

Jesus, who knew the truth of the limitations of human reason, gives all men of all ages a message of hope through faith in him when he proclaims:

Ultimately speaking; why should we not believe even though we don’t see him?

Even the little things of life, such as eating and drinking we do by mere faith that it is safe and good for us and those who supply them to us are hygienic in their ways and those who present them to us do so with good intention.

Ask them and even the evil one may tell us that the food presented to us is of a good quality and meeting the standards of quality.  Sometimes with the passing of time a different story could be revealed or we may never know the truth.

If we as human being believe in the many things of creation and life without seeing then why can’t we believe in Jesus and be blessed.

If not, then at least give Jesus a try and see for yourself.  It is worth to have given him a try; for you will never regret and what is more you will realize that he is more to be relied upon, in all his words then even our own selves.

Prayer: Lord, you are more to be trusted then any men; for we cannot trust ourselves completely apart from you.  

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

You too Can

Today’s Gospel Text:  As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" 28 But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Luke 11:27-28

Reflection: Some times we hear noble statements from the mouths of the great or even the ordinary and it may require a correction. Some are apparently wise statements and yet when tested against sound knowledge will not stand the test of truth.

Very rarely do we set about discerning the veracity of these statement.

What was wrong with the statement that this woman made concerning Jesus?

"Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!"

Let’s analyze what she could possibly been saying: Lord Jesus you are so great and mighty, you have been doing such a wonderful job that I almost envy the womb that bore you and the breast that was suckled by you. I wish I was that mother.

Wow! This desire for greatness can be the desire of any human being and it is never bad to have noble or great desires but the motivation; purpose, goal and aim of all those desires are important.

Any human being could come out with similar statements communicating an envy or praise of another.

In such a situation Jesus puts things on the right trail: If you really want to be great or if you feel that that is greatness and the reason to be blessed, then you are narrowing my presence and purpose of my coming on this earth to only one creature who is indeed great. I tell you, when I announce to you the message and you respond well by accepting it then you too can be great, mighty and powerful.

It’s simple: “….hear the word of God and keep it!"

Further Jesus must have meant: The womb that bore me did it and the one whose breast I sucked did it.

I may not be able to re-enter any womb again and again but I do enter the womb of your hearts and minds and make you ready to be my instruments and give the pure milk of my salvation, to those who accept my word.

How? “Hear the word of God and keep it!"

Prayer: Let thy word O Lord always find room in the womb of my heart, so that I may bear you to the world.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us

 

Emulate Mary

Scripture: As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" 28 But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"

Reflection: Look at Jesus and the miracles and wonders he worked and as we go back into his life we know for sure too that blessed indeed was the womb that bore him and the breasts that he sucked. But how did that womb become blessed and great?  By hearing God’s word and keeping it; “Let it be done to me according to thy word.” Were the words of Mary to the Angel

Our effort to please God by seeking to keep his word will never end up in regret.

Prayer:  Lord, help to always listen to your word and thus be instruments of your grace to others. Mary mother of Jesus, pray for us

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us