Daily Readings - Mon Jul 03 2017

First Reading - Ephesians 2.19-22

¹⁹Now, therefore, you are no longer visitors and new arrivals. Instead, you are citizens among the saints in the household of God²⁰having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the preeminent cornerstone²¹In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord²²In him, you also have been built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit

Gospel - John 20.24-29

John

Chapter 20

²⁴Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus arrived²⁵Therefore, the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I will see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the place of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will not believe.²⁶And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas was with them. Jesus arrived, though the doors had been closed, and he stood in their midst and said, "Peace to you.²⁷Next, he said to Thomas: "Look at my hands, and place your finger here; and bring your hand close, and place it at my side. And do not choose to be unbelieving, but faithful.²⁸Thomas responded and said to him, "My Lord and my God.²⁹Jesus said to him: "You have seen me, Thomas, so you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter two profound reflections on faith and our relationship with God. The first reading from Ephesians reminds us that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now citizens in the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity as the Body of Christ, a holy temple where God dwells. The Gospel, from John, presents us with the familiar story of Thomas, who doubts the resurrection of Jesus until he sees and touches the wounds of Christ. Thomas’s declaration, “My Lord and my God,” becomes a moment of profound faith, and Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing. The readings are deeply connected, as they both speak to the nature of faith and our place in God’s plan. Ephesians highlights the communal aspect of our faith, reminding us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves—a spiritual temple built on the foundation of Christ. John’s Gospel, on the other hand, focuses on the personal journey of faith, as Thomas moves from doubt to belief. Together, these readings remind us that faith is both a communal and deeply personal experience. Just as Thomas needed to encounter Christ’s wounds to believe, we too may face moments of doubt or uncertainty in our own lives. Yet, Christ’s promise to bless those who have not seen but still believe offers us hope and assurance. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how they apply to our daily lives. Like Thomas, we may struggle with doubts or uncertainties about God’s presence in our lives. But Christ’s words to Thomas—“Do not be unbelieving, but faithful”—are also directed to us. We are called to trust in God’s plan, even when we cannot see the full picture. At the same time, the Ephesians reading reminds us that our faith is not isolated; we are part of a larger community, the Body of Christ, and our faith is strengthened by our unity with one another. Let us strive to live as faithful citizens in God’s household, trusting in His presence and working together to build a holy temple where His love and light shine forth.