Thomas and Us

Thomas and Us
Easter 2; John 20:19-31
The label “doubting” dogged him down the years –
it’s more than any saint should have to bear.
Did “doubting” Thomas add that shame to tears,
so grief and anger barred his need to share?
The risen Christ has no respect for locks,
nor will defensive doubt turn him away.
He lets his wounds be seen,to shift what blocks
our eyes from recognizing his new day.
Like Thomas, we find grace; and so we kneel,
and cry “My Lord and God!”; and breathe in peace.
Then his embrace will heal the pain we feel;
we breathe his Spirit, let our doubts release.
His wounds have touched our own and set us free;
we know new life, become what we can be.
	Barbara Messner 3/04/2024