Faith Through the Wounds

Gospel
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!

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.”

Historical Background

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.

Theological Context

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 shows divine compassion and patience toward those who struggle with belief. Thomas’ transformation illustrates how encountering Christ leads to deeper conviction. Jesus’ words extend a blessing to all who believe without seeing—encouraging generations of believers to trust in the testimony of Scripture and the Spirit.

True faith is not merely intellectual assent but a relational trust in Jesus. It is not abstract; it’s a lived relationship with the risen Christ. 

Poem

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.

Prayer

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

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published

July 03, 2025, 8:38 AM

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 11, 2025, 8:56 AM

July 01, 2025, 9:37 AM

July 02, 2024, 4:23 AM

July 4, 2023, 9:55 AM

KEEP THE FAITH

I have competed well; 
I have finished the race; 
I have kept the faith. 
(2 Timothy 4:7)

Lord Jesus, 

You stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me as Your servant, the proclamation of Your Word might be completed and all might hear it. Be praised and glorified O Lord for by the power of Your most Holy Spirit, You have enabled me to compete well; finish the race; and keep the faith. 

During my life of active service in Your church, You have always rescued me from the lion’s mouth and from every evil threat. You have kept me safe despite the persecutions and harassments from those who have sought to bring me harm. Today, You have brought me back to being a faithful steward of Your graces and blessings in the line of work and business that You have established for me.

From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which You O Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for Your appearance. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. 

Amen.

Pericope:

PAUL'S LONELINESS - 2 Timothy 4:6-18

Published:

June 29, 2023, 10:26 AM

October 27, 2019, 8:57 AM

Dawn of Grace: A Call to a Deeper Faith

 

 

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.”

Introduction

These verses show how the risen Christ meets people in their grief, confronts their unbelief, and commissions them for mission. It is a passage about transformation: from sorrow to joy, from doubt to conviction, from hiding to proclaiming.

Historical Background

The Gospel of Mark is widely considered the earliest written Gospel, marked by its urgency and simplicity. The longer ending (Mark 16:9–20), where today’s passage belongs, summarizes post resurrection appearances also found in other Gospels and early Christian tradition.

In the first century, testimony—especially from women—was often dismissed. Yet the risen Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene, a woman once marginalized but deeply transformed by His grace. 

The disciples, still shaken by trauma and fear, struggle to believe the reports of His resurrection. This honest portrayal reflects the real human difficulty of embracing a miracle that overturns everything they thought they knew.

By verse 15, Jesus breaks through their unbelief and gives them a mission that will shape the world: “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

Theological Context

The Grace of Revelation. Jesus chooses to reveal Himself first to Mary Magdalene—a reminder that God’s grace often flows through unexpected people. Revelation is God’s initiative, not human achievement.

The Reality of Human Unbelief. The disciples’ refusal to believe Mary and the two disciples on the road shows that faith is not automatic. Even those closest to Jesus wrestled with doubt. This validates our own struggles and shows that faith grows through encounter, not mere information.

The Authority of the Risen Christ. When Jesus appears to the Eleven, He rebukes their unbelief—not to shame them, but to prepare them. His resurrection gives Him full authority to send them into mission.

The Universal Mission of the Church. “Go into all the world” signals the global scope of the Gospel. The resurrection is not a private miracle; it is a message meant for every person, culture, and generation.

Learning Lessons

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.

Reflection for the Day

Like Mary Magdalene, some of us carry wounds, losses, or past mistakes. Yet Jesus chooses to appear to those who seek Him with sincerity. He calls us by name, restores our dignity, and entrusts us with His message.

Like the disciples, we may struggle with doubt—doubt about God’s power, our future, or our worthiness. But Jesus does not abandon us in unbelief. He meets us, corrects us, and strengthens us. His rebuke is not rejection; it is an invitation to deeper trust.

And like the early Church, we are sent. The resurrection is not just a truth to believe but a life to share. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of courage becomes part of proclaiming the Good News.

Today, the risen Christ asks: Will you let Me transform your unbelief into mission? Will you allow My resurrection to reshape your purpose?

May your heart echo Mary’s boldness, the disciples’ eventual courage, and the world changing obedience of those who first carried the Gospel.

Poem

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.

Prayer

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.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published

April 26, 2025, 7:21 AM  

God is Faithful to His Promises

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:

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.

Poem

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.

Prayer

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

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

April 10, 2025, 6:23 AM

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

Published:

January 30, 2025, 6:31 AM

Faith That Finds a Way

Gospel

Mark 2:1-12

Discovering Healing, Forgiveness, 

and Unwavering Hope in Jesus

1 When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 2 Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, 7 “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” 8 Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat, and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” 11 he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” 12 He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Introduction

This passage tells the inspiring story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man in Capernaum. Four friends, unable to reach Jesus through the crowd, lower their companion through the roof so he can be blessed by the Lord. In a remarkable display of compassion and divine authority, Jesus not only heals the man physically but also forgives his sins. This passage captures the essence of determined faith and the boundless mercy of Christ.

Historical Background

The event unfolds in Capernaum, a bustling fishing village by the Sea of Galilee, which served as Jesus' home base during much of His ministry. In first-century Palestine, homes were often constructed with flat roofs made of branches and clay, making it feasible to open a part of the roof to lower someone inside. The crowd gathered, eager to hear from this new teacher whose miracles and teachings were stirring hope across the region. Religious leaders, skeptical of Jesus’ growing influence, were also present, watching intently as the scene unfolded.

Theological Context

This passage highlights two central themes: the power of faith and the authority of Jesus to forgive sins. When Jesus sees the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends, He responds with both healing and forgiveness, stunning the onlookers. For the scribes, Jesus’ claim to forgive sins was blasphemous, as this was reserved for God alone. But Jesus confirms His divine identity by healing the man, proving that He possesses both compassion and authority from God. This moment reveals Jesus as the Savior who meets our deepest needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Learning Lessons

Mark 2:1-12 encourages us to have a persistent, creative, and selfless faith like the man’s friends. Their determination teaches us not to give up when obstacles block our way to Jesus. It also reminds us that sometimes others need our faith to carry them to God when they feel powerless. Most importantly, the passage assures us that Jesus welcomes all who come to Him in faith, offering forgiveness and restoration beyond what we can imagine.

Reflection for the Day

Are there barriers in your life—or in the lives of those you love—that seem insurmountable? This story is a gentle invitation to bring your needs before Jesus, trusting that He knows what you need most. Whether you seek physical healing, emotional comfort, or forgiveness, Jesus stands ready to respond to faith with grace. Today, ask yourself: How can I help carry someone to Christ? And in what areas of my life do I need to let Jesus lift my burdens and heal my heart?

Through Broken Roofs

When crowds press in and hope runs thin,

Still, faith will find a way.

Through broken roofs, through dust and doubt,

We reach for Light today.

The Healer sees the silent plea,

No word, yet hearts are known.

He speaks forgiveness, wholeness, peace—

His mercy freely shown.

So when my path is blocked with fear,

Lord, help me trust anew;

And may my hands, like faithful friends,

Bring others straight to You.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

Thank You for seeing me in my weakness and loving me in my need. Help me to have faith like those friends—to persist, to believe, and to carry others to Your feet. Forgive me, heal me, and fill my heart with hope. Empower me to be a source of encouragement and strength for those around me. May Your grace flow through me, and may Your presence restore every broken place in my life. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE HEALING OF A PARALYTIC

Mark 2:1-12

Gospel Acclamation

A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.