Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 6:05 am:

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quote:

"The disciple named Thomas has forever been branded "the doubting one" because he wouldn't believe Jesus had been raised from the dead until he could see him with his own eyes and touch him with his own hands. When Jesus appeared to the gathered followers Thomas was granted that desire; he was invited to put his hands in Jesus's side and his fingers into the nail holes. The response we usually remember is Christ's, particularly because he seems to be talking to us: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29)...

"But Thomas was invited to touch. He was told to place his hands on the one promised in ancient Scriptures, to touch the one pierced for our transgressions, and crushed by our iniquities. Thomas was able to touch wounds that were real because his sin was real. He was able to touch Jesus Christ because He was who He said He was. In the life of Christ, God has made it evident that He understands our need to have and to hold his truth and his promises. Christ gave to Thomas the same invitation that God gave the world with his Son: Please touch."

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