We understand fear and doubt. We know what happens when we are fearful or full of doubt. We quit breathing. We cannot live unless we breathe.
Into fear and doubt, Jesus comes. Just as in creation, when God spoke and creation came into being, Jesus speaks new life. He speaks forgiveness and takes away the fear.
Christ says to Thomas, “Here are the wounds; go ahead, touch.” In so doing Christ offers his forgiveness. Doubt vanishes.
Like Thomas, we might have doubts. Like the disciples, we may have fears. Yet Christ comes to us again and again. In the mystery of Holy Communion, Jesus invites us to touch and taste his presence, offers us his peace, speaks words of forgiveness, “Peace be with you.” He breathes new life upon us.
Every Sunday is a proclamation of the resurrection of Christ. In the Resurrection we stand forgiven. New life is breathed upon us. We can live in peace, forgiveness and love with others.
Christ is risen. Alleluia!
Prayerfully, we raise this hymn to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: “Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew. That I may love what thou dost love and do what thou wouldst do.” Amen. —