Self isolation is not only injurious physically, it also blocks you from receiving spiritual assistance. Many have distanced themselves from the church for various reasons such as pändemïcs, scandals, betrayals, etc. Whatever the reasons are, the Lord wants you to know today that you miss many things: both physical and spiritual benefits when you stay-off the assembly. If you wish to know read slowly…
Cf John 20:19-31
…Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Thomas’ doubt lasted for 7 days after the resurrection-a number which symbolises perfection, and Jesus waited for his doubts to be perfectly manifested before he reappeared and showed himself to him that he may believe profoundly and doubt no longer. Notice that as Jesus appeared, he first addresses the doubts of Thomas. Even though Jesus was not there physically when Thomas doubted, He knew Thomas’ doubted.
2. Thomas’ perception of Jesus changed after this encounter from seeing Jesus as master (Rabbi) to God: his mentality transformed from material things as he was no longer moved by his physical cravings (such as wanting to see the wounds of Jesus) to divine attributes of Jesus when he said “my Lord and My God“.
3. Thomas’ experience resembles our daily experiences of doubts: long moments of thinking God has abandoned us and forgotten our needs. It resembles our moments of despair: when we stop praying, stop hoping, stop believing or stop going to church for various personal reasons, etc. We forget that as Jesus knew Thomas’ doubts in absentia so does God know our troubles in moments of doubts. And God purposely allows us to have those trials that we may experience profound transformations like Thomas when he reveals himself by answering and solving our problems. But where will you be when He comes to address your problems?
4. Thomas’ doubts started and lasted 7 days because he was absent when Jesus appeared- the bible says Thomas was not with others. Ask yourself: Where am I now? Am I with the church (the praying community of disciples) or against it? Don’t you know there’s power in the praying assembly? Have you forgotten Jesus says where two or three are gathered I am there with them (Matt 18:20), and it is only in the midst of his disciples (gathered with a purpose) that He manifests himself?
Thomas missed many things in his absence: he misses the strengthening and encouragement given to others when Jesus first appeared and said ‘peace be with you‘. He also missed the conferring of the power to forgive sins (Jn 20:19-23). And the bible says ‘there were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw‘ (Jn 20:30). If he was not present the second time he would have continued to wallow in ignorance and in doubts.
No matter how long you have remained in doubts or stayed outside of the Assembly of God’s people, the Lord knows about it and does not abandon you. God is ready to clear your doubts and confusions as long as you make yourself present again.
TASK: If you have distanced yourself from the church for any reasons whatsoever, this I a decisive moment to return and have your doubts and problems resolved. Pray Psalm 118:2-4;15-8 now.
May you find favour and answer to your prayers as you return to the Lord in Jesus name. AMEN.
Good Job padre . I am one of your strong fans . Keep it up
Thanks father God bless you. How's the Ministry? More grace on you as you pilot the flock entrusted to your care. My regards
I feel so much blessed to be part of your family, to be a child under your guidance 😊 . May the ministry be the blessed. Thank you my spiritual father 🙏
Lord, I ask for the grace and strength to over come any Laziness to attend Mass, whenever it comes. Thanks Padre and happy Sunday.
Thank you fr..