Doubting Thomas? Na.... It takes all sorts......


In the Synagogue at Capernaum there was a space by the door that looked out onto the Sea of Galilee, so that the fishermen who (often) left it rather late for the service should come in quietly. We were reminded in our Church the other Sunday that Thomas had not been present the previous Sunday evening when Jesus appeared to his disciples (the doors being locked for fear of the Jews). Those who had been there were deeply shocked, and Thomas’ response much the same as theirs. They all found it difficult. It may have been that Thomas arriving later on the scene gave his brothers and sisters a chance to redirect attention away from themselves! Any late arriving fishermen… or even we ourselves sometimes… might do something similar?
http://sermons4kids.com/doubting-thomas-ppt-slides.htm

But there is more that can... should be said. We are all different with different skills, and different temperaments. Thomas’ need not be seen to be awkward at all. There are many who learn by doing, and seeing, and whose contribution is to be clear about what they are in touch with. Thomas, by his own integrity, speaks for all those who are like him. You will notice that no one else among the disciples in that upper room said to Jesus, ‘My Lord and my God’.  Or Martha being true to herself, in spite of… maybe because of… Mary, was able to say to Jesus... ‘I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God’. Mary did not say that. For some it is style that makes for attractiveness – such as Peter… impetuous, warm.  For some like widows, orphans, and children, it is an occupation. Against Roman Army Officers, and pensioners, Jesus seems to have nothing negative to say at all.

And there is failure. It is in failure that there is room for others to find space alongside us, room for Jesus to come to us – there is space for us all. Most particularly it is in the forgiveness within the Christian Community - Jesus, his friends - that the love of God might be seen and experienced. All sorts and conditions…

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