Scripture:
Ephesians 2:19-22
John 20:24-29
Reflection:
“Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him, the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Eph. 2:19-22
How fantastic that we are part of the household of God! We are brothers and sisters with the saints and holy ones, and together we are the place where God dwells in the Spirit. It’s hard to imagine that when we get caught up in our daily troubles or in the really difficult trials of life this side of heaven. But it’s true! How blest we are to have access to the communion of saints. We can learn so much from them! And they are at this very moment praying for us and cheering us on to the finish line.
One of my favorite saints is Francis of Assisi. I was fortunate to go on a pilgrimage and visit Assisi one year. We found a bronze statue of Francis laying on the ground hands behind his head gazing up into the sky. His sandals are near him in the grass. I knew we were kindred spirits at that moment. One day I will meet him and we will share this favorite pastime!
And in today’s Gospel, I love how the Lord responded to Thomas’s statement that he had to see before he could believe. He simply gave him exactly what he asked for so that he could believe. He didn’t berate him but loved him just as he was and he will do the same for us. We can take comfort and courage from the stories of our older brothers and sisters in the faith. Pick a saint today, read about their life, and then ask them to pray for you as you continue your journey toward meeting God and meeting them!
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Bainbridge Island, Washington, and partnered with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/.