Faith Through the Wounds

 

Gospel
John 20:24-29

24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas 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.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

This passage occurs shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples are gathered in a locked room, fearful of the Jewish authorities. Thomas (called Didymus, meaning “Twin”) was not present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples (John 20:19–23). His absence sets the stage for his famous declaration of doubt.

In Jewish tradition, physical evidence was often required to confirm truth claims. Thomas’ demand to see and touch Jesus’ wounds reflects this cultural norm. The Gospel of John emphasizes firsthand witness (cf. John 21:24). Thomas’ eventual confession—“My Lord and my God!”—becomes a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ identity.

Faith Through the Wounds

Behind locked doors, the silence grew, 

The breath of fear, the scent of rue. 

The risen Christ had walked unknown, 

To hearts once shattered, now overthrown.

But Thomas came with reason's shield, 

His doubts like thorns refused to yield. 

“Unless I touch His hands and side,” 

He vowed, “I will not let faith abide.”

A week did pass, and grace returned, 

Through solid walls, the Savior churned. 

“Peace be with you,” He softly said, 

And bore the wounds from which He bled.

“Reach out your hand,” He beckoned slow, 

“Believe and let your spirit grow.” 

And Thomas—frozen in the light— 

Confessed aloud what once felt trite.

“My Lord, my God”—his soul unbound, 

No longer lost, now truly found. 

For faith is not in sight alone, 

But trust in what is still unknown.

Lord Jesus, my Savior and my God, 

You stepped into a room shut tight with fear and brought peace where doubt had lingered long. I come like Thomas—not to challenge but to seek, longing to see Your wounds, to touch Your love, to feel the truth of Your resurrection pulse within me.

Forgive me, Lord, when I’ve demanded signs More than trusted Your promise. Forgive the times I’ve let the weight of the world Overshadow Your light. Come through the locked doors of my heart, And speak peace to my restless soul. Let Your hands, pierced by grace, Be the balm to my wounds and worries.

Bless me, Lord, though I have not seen, That I may believe—not by sight, but by faith. Not by proof, but by the power of Your love. Let me cry out like Thomas, Not in doubt, but in reverent awe: “My Lord and my God.”

You are alive, and I am renewed. You are present, though unseen. You are faithful, even when I falter. Keep me close to You, O Christ, that my life may echo Your peace, my voice may declare Your truth, and my heart may never forget the grace that meets me in my uncertainty.

Amen.

Pericope

III: The Book of Glory

THOMAS

John 20:24-29

Gospel Acclamation

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!

Theological Background

Christology: Thomas’ exclamation is one of the clearest affirmations of Jesus’ divinity in the New Testament. He calls Jesus both Lord and God, echoing the language used for Yahweh in the Old Testament.

Faith vs. Sight: Jesus responds, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (v. 29). This introduces a theological shift: faith is no longer dependent on physical proof but on trust in divine revelation.

Resurrection Theology: The passage affirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus. His wounds are visible and tangible, yet He appears in a locked room—highlighting both continuity and transformation in His resurrected body.

Johannine Themes: The Gospel of John often contrasts seeing and believing. Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith encapsulates this theme and prepares readers for belief without physical sight.

Learning Lessons

Honest Doubt Is Not Condemned: Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, offering him the evidence he seeks. This shows divine compassion and patience toward those who struggle with belief.

Faith Is a Gift: True faith is not merely intellectual assent but a relational trust in Jesus. Thomas’ transformation illustrates how encountering Christ leads to deeper conviction.

Blessing for Future Believers: Jesus’ words in verse 29 extend a blessing to all who believe without seeing—encouraging generations of believers to trust in the testimony of Scripture and the Spirit.

Personal Encounter Matters: Thomas’ confession is deeply personal—“My Lord and my God.” Faith is not abstract; it’s a lived relationship with the risen Christ.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Increase Your Faith!

Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 

"Lord, save us! We are perishing!" 

But He said to them, 

"Why are you fearful, O you little faith?" 

Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, 

and there was a great calm.

(Matthew 8:25-26)

Lord Jesus, you are the peace and calmness that is in my heart.  I am always amazed whenever I see the power of your great works done in me. Indeed, You are in full control. Thank You so much for providing me with the necessary resources and the best and lasting solutions to fully settle all my debts. 

Please forgive me for having little faith most especially in times when I am caught in a stormy situation. In the midst of any great storm, I claim your great calm O Lord. You alone can command everything to be still and with utmost faith, I depend upon Your grace and protection. Always be with me so that I will never fear any storm of life that comes my way and will always be at peace.

Truly, there is nothing impossible to what You can do. May your hand be upon me always so that all plan of actions will be in accordance with Your will. 

As always, I completely surrender everything to you, believing in faith that amidst any storm or diffulties in life, you are always there to give us comfort and peace. May the financial freedom, abundance, and prosperity You have brought upon us continue to grow and flourish each day. 

I give You back all the glory and praise now and forever. Amen.

Published:

July 02, 2024, 4:23 AM

July 4, 2023, 9:55 AM

Dawn of Grace: A Call to a Deeper Faith

 

She went and told 

his companions who were mourning and weeping. 

When they heard that 

he was alive and had 

been seen by her, 

they did not believe. 

(Mark 16:10-11)

The dawn of grace has come, and we are called to a deeper faith. Instead of having doubts, let us believe.

Faith requires trust, even when things seem unbelievable. Jesus does not abandon us in our struggles but instead calls us to deeper faith. True encounter with Jesus leads to transformation in our lives.

Sharing the Good News is a responsibility for all believers. Our personal testimonies can inspire and strengthen others in their faith.

Early morn, the stone rolled wide, 

Mary wept, yet hope denied. 

In her sorrow, light broke through— 

Jesus stood, alive and true.

She ran to tell, with trembling heart, 

But doubt and fear kept faith apart. 

Still, He came in mercy deep, 

To wake the souls that grief did keep.

He rebuked their hardened sight, 

Yet bathed them in His saving light.

 “Go,” He said, “to every land, 

Speak My truth, let love expand.”

Now we rise, as they once did, 

With faith proclaimed and doubts forbid. 

His story lives in hearts made free, 

Christ alive—eternally.

Lord Jesus, 

You rose in glory and appeared first to Mary Magdalene, showing that your love reaches all who seek you. Yet doubt clouded the hearts of your disciples, and you called them to a deeper faith.

Help me, Lord, to believe in your presence even when I cannot see. Strengthen my trust in you, that I may never waver in faith. Remove the hardness of my heart, so that I may embrace your truth with open arms.

You commanded your followers to proclaim the Gospel to all creation. Give me the courage to share your love boldly, to be a witness of your mercy and grace. Let my life reflect your truth, that others may see and believe.

Lord, transform me through your risen power. Make me a vessel of your light, so that in my words and actions, your glory may shine. May I go forth, as you have sent your disciples, spreading hope, faith, and the joy of your resurrection.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Longer Ending

THE APPEARANCE TO MARY MAGDALENE/TO TWO DISCIPLES/COMMISSIONING OF ELEVEN

Mark 16:9-11/12-13/14-18

Gospel Acclamation

This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Gospel | Mark 16:9-15

9 When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. 13 They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. 14 But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. 15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God is Faithful to His Promises

"I will give to you and 

to your descendants after you 

the land in which 

you are now staying, 

the whole land of Canaan, 

as a permanent possession; 

and I will be their God.” 

(Genesis 17:8)

God is faithful to His promises. Everything belongs to God and He gives according to His will. While God’s promises are sure, there is also a call for us to uphold our end of the covenant. We have a responsibility keep His covenant as we live the new life, new identity and destiny that He has given us. Faith and obedience to God’s word is important even when it seems impossible.

In the realm where divine love resides,

Where God's faithfulness to His promises abides,

Everything belongs to Him, in His hands it all lies,

He gives according to His will, under His watchful eyes.

His promises are sure, as steady as the tides,

Yet, a call echoes for us, a spiritual guide,

To uphold our end of the covenant, side by side,

A responsibility we carry, in our hearts it's tied.

A new life, a new identity, a destiny wide,

All these gifts He has given, in us they confide,

Yet faith and obedience to His word must coincide,

Even when it seems impossible, in His truth we confide.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and grace. We recognize that You are faithful to Your promises, and everything belongs to You. You give according to Your will, and Your promises are sure.

Lord, we understand that while You have made a covenant with us, there is also a call for us to uphold our end of this covenant. As we live the new life, new identity, and destiny that You have given us, we have a responsibility to keep Your covenant.

We pray for the strength and wisdom to fulfill this responsibility. We acknowledge that faith and obedience to Your word are important, even when it seems impossible. We ask for Your guidance and support in our journey of faith.

In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II. The Patriarch Abraham

COVENANT OF CIRCUMCISION

Genesis 17:1-27

First Reading | Genesis 17:3-9

3 When Abram prostrated himself, God continued to speak to him: 4 “My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. 5 No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. 6 I will render you exceedingly fertile; I will make nations of you; kings shall stem from you. 7 I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are now staying, the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God.” 9 God also said to Abraham: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages.”

Background:

This passage is from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. This is a significant moment where God makes a covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations”.

In this covenant, God promises Abraham that he will be exceedingly fertile, his descendants will form many nations, and kings will come from him. God also promises to give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as a permanent possession. In return, God asks Abraham and his descendants to keep His covenant throughout the ages. This covenant establishes a special relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants, marking a significant moment in the biblical narrative.

Learning Lessons:

Faith and Obedience: Abraham’s faith in God’s promises is a central theme. Despite his old age, Abraham believes in God’s promise that he will become the father of many nations. This teaches the importance of faith and obedience to God’s word, even when it seems impossible.

God’s Faithfulness: God’s covenant with Abraham shows His faithfulness. He promises to make Abraham exceedingly fertile, to make nations of him, and that kings shall stem from him. This demonstrates that God is faithful to His promises.

The Importance of Names: The change of Abram’s name to Abraham signifies his new identity and destiny as the father of many nations. This teaches us about the significance of names and how they can reflect our identities and destinies.

Responsibility: God also places a responsibility on Abraham and his descendants to keep His covenant throughout the ages. This teaches us that while God’s promises are sure, there is also a call for humans to uphold their end of the covenant.

God’s Sovereignty: God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants shows His sovereignty over the earth. It teaches us that everything belongs to God and He gives according to His will.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

He who Promised is Faithful

We are called to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for God is faithful. Our walk of faith should be genuine and steadfast with full trust and confidence in God's promises. Mutual encouragement is essential in our faith journey. We should spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 

God sprinkles our hearts to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed so that we may live a life of purity. Through the blood of Jesus, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place and approach God with boldness and assurance because of Jesus' sacrifice. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. 

Let us hold with steadfast might, 

To the hope that shines so bright. 

For in His promise, we confide, 

With unwavering faith, we abide.

He who made the promise true, 

Is trustworthy in all He'll do. 

In every trial, through every storm, 

His faithfulness will keep us warm.

With hearts united, we proclaim, 

The hope we have in His great name. 

For He is faithful, ever near, 

In His love, we have no fear.

Lord Jesus, 

You are our hope and our strength, In Your promises, we find our faith. Help us to hold unwaveringly to our confession, For You are trustworthy and true.

Guide us in our journey, Strengthen our hearts with Your love. May we always trust in Your word, And find peace in Your grace.

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Jesus' Eternal Priesthood and Eternal Sacrifice

ONE SACRIFICE INSTEAD OF MANY

Hebrews 10:1-39

First Reading | Hebrews 10:19-25

19 Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary 20 by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, 21 and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” 22 let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. 25 We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Promise Depends on Faith

When God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:13-15)

The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith (Romans 4:13).

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants -- not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" -- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist (Romans 4:16-17).

Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:20-22)

But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him; it was also for us, to whom it will be credited, who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification. (Romans 4:22-25)

Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:16-18)

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations; as he had been told, "So shall your descendants be" (Romans 4:18).

That is why his faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:22).

Published: 

May 30, 2024, 4:05 AM

October 23, 2023, 7:56 AM

October 21, 2023, 7:49 AM

May 30, 2023, 6:42 AM

January 22, 2013, 7:26 AM

March 19, 2011, 8:41AM

Promise Fulfilled

"Blessed is she 

who has believed 

that the Lord would 

fulfill his promises 

to her!" 

(Luke 1:45)

Mary, the mother of Jesus, who believed in the angel's message and trusted in God's plan for her. Her example inspires us to have the same faith and trust in God's promises for our lives.

God fulfills His promises. His word is true and reliable, and we can have confidence in His faithfulness. Trusting in God's word and His plans for us brings blessings. We should cultivate a strong and unwavering faith, knowing that it brings spiritual blessings and fulfillment.

Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to strengthen our faith, trust in God's promises, and recognize the blessings that come from believing in His word. 

Blessed is she, with faith so strong, 

Believing in the Lord's sweet song. 

Promises whispered, hearts held tight, 

In trust and hope, she finds her light.

Her soul rejoices, her spirit sings, 

In the fulfillment that faith brings. 

For in her heart, a seed is sown, 

A promise kept, a love well-known.

Through trials faced and doubts that fade, 

Her steadfast trust will never trade. 

For blessed is she, who dares to believe, 

In the Lord's word, she will receive.

A joy that springs from deep within, 

A peace that comes, where doubts have been. 

Blessed is she, in faith's embrace, 

Her heart aligned with God's own grace.

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of faith, believing in Your promises and Your word. Just as Mary trusted in Your plan, help us to believe in Your promises for our lives.

Grant us the strength to hold onto Your word, even when doubts and fears arise. May we find joy and peace in Your faithfulness, knowing that You will fulfill all that You have spoken.

Blessed are we who believe in Your promises, for Your love and grace are ever true. Guide us in our journey of faith and help us to trust in Your perfect plan.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

MARY VISITS ELIZABETH

Luke 1:39-45

Gospel Acclamation

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. 

Gospel | Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

Reflection Source

Conversation with Copilot