Faith in the Face of Trauma: Thomas' Encounter with the Risen Lord | Rev. Daryl Fenton

Christ Church Jerusalem

Our current age, like all others that came before, is one full of trauma and death. And though both are such common realities, neither of them feel "normal" to us. They can render us illogical and reveal significant gaps in our faith. We see this well in the story of Thomas. The same Thomas who had claimed readiness to die with Jesus (John 11:16) would later reject that Jesus had been raised from the dead (20:24). And yet, Jesus honors Thomas' need for assurance, and empowers him to more fully believe. This belief would eventually be carried to the shores of India, where Thomas died in faith. We, "who have not seen and yet believed," (20:29) count our faith a blessing, and yet should learn from Thomas that the Lord will meet us in the gaps of our faith, to strengthen it. Our challenge as disciples is to develop faith that strengthens us in the face of trauma and a resolute hope in the transitory nature of death for those who trust in Jesus. If you so choose, prayerfully fill out this self-assessment of your faith and see where you need the Lord to meet you. https://forms.gle/JAc3dnFP9CWhqm5F6 Readings: 1 John 1:1-2:3; Psalm 133; John 20:19-31