Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 St. Thomas Day

St. John 11:5-16
 

v. 16: Then Thomas (also known as Didymus said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
 

When we think of St. Thomas, we often think, oh doubting Thomas.  Even growing up, when people ask me about my Church, what does Mar Thoma mean?  When I mention St. Thomas, immediately in their mind, oh yeah, doubting Thomas.  But more than that, we should think of our heritage as St. Thomas Christians, and at the same time, learn some lessons from his life for us to grow as Christians.
 
In v. 16, we see that Thomas tells his fellow disciples “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”  When the news of the unexpected demise of Lazarus reached Jesus, Jesus tells His disciples that they proceed to Bethany.  There was fear that filled all the disciples, they were scared that the Jewish leaders who may catch Jesus will kill Him and them, but Thomas says this statement to be with Christ even to the point of death.  So, in our mindset, more than just labeling him as doubting, we can see him as "loyal Thomas".
 
We see St. Thomas’ weakness in doubt highlighted as his characteristic, but in reality, it is quite easy for us to label without introspecting about our own lives.  It is quite hypocritical because we have been through a significant number of struggles and challenges which we have often doubted.  Faith is a growing project within us that can continue to grow all throughout human life, and we should understand how vulnerable we are and how committed we should be to Him.  Imperfect as Thomas was, we can learn from him that even in such situations we can commit to God and surrender our uncertainties to Him who is always certain.  As we continue to grow in faith, we can also learn to meaningfully exclaim proudly to our God “My Lord and My God”.

 
Prayer

Triune God, thank You for enabling us to be part of a great heritage of being called St. Thomas Christians.  Thank You for sending him to India so that our ancestors and generations that follow can grow in true faith.  Guide us to realize weak as we are, we should also persevere in faith and be fully committed to You.  In Christ’s name, we pray, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

Rev. Jess M. George,
N.E. Regional Youth Chaplain

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more