Thomas gets a raw deal. He is forever remembered as a doubter of Christ at the most critical hour of faith. Thomas is one of the first to hear the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and say, "Yeah right..." Thomas is you and he is definitely me.

Some days faith comes easier. Some days it's easy to hear the Word and respond with complete trust. Other days we, like Thomas, yearn for more. We need to FEEL Christ's presence among us. Jesus doesn't dismiss Thomas for his weakness, he embraces him and tells him of blessed moments where faith is not determined by sight. He gives Thomas a chance to FEEL his wounds.

If we are truly Resurrection people, then we have the capacity to hear the word and trust AND to need this time to feel Christ's presence and find the assurance there. We can have this real encounter because He is alive! Sometimes the love of God in Christ Jesus cannot adequately be contained by our doctrine, sermons, or conversation. Sometimes it's the love that transcends words. And if we need to feel Jesus, we must seek him where he is found... In the afflicted, in one another, and in his Holy Supper.

Christ is Risen, Christ is Present.

Sermon by Vicar Alex Zuber in the Stony Man Lutheran Parish in Luray, VA.

4/3/2016