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T hough Thomas had shared Jesus' love and heard his words, he still doubted the resurrection until Jesus invited him to touch his wounded hands and feet, his open side. Thomas could only cry out "My Lord and my God" in utter amazement. The fervor of his response forms the core of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Church. Thomas is not the only follower of Jesus to have had problems believing. Nor are the disciples of Emmaus alone in walking away from what is most important. But fortunately for us, Jesus promised to be with us always. 
Every one of us who follows Jesus has a story of personal faith to tell, of days when we feel Jesus is present and of other times when he seems only too far away. But this personal tale is told as only one chapter in a much bigger book, the history of the whole Church-yesterday and today. In every age, it has been hard to keep on an even keel. Christians believe that Jesus is both God and human, that he has ascended to heaven but dwells now within us, and that he has already come as Messiah but will come again in glory. At times one set of beliefs has been more emphasized than another. Some people have called Jesus merely human, while others see him only as an almighty Judge. History has shown that the resulting differences in prayer, worship or the meaning of the Bible can divide the Church and even lead to bloodshed. Through all of this, the Church has had to make choices, guided by the Holy Spirit: What books belong in the Bible? In what ways should the community worship? How does someone truly live a committed Christian life? Achieving balance has indeed been difficult. Even the Church has seemed to lose its way at times, only to be called back home by Jesus himself. Jesus opens his wounded side to each one of us. After he removes our doubts, we too can pray "My Lord and my God" with heartfelt devotion. After he forgives and strengthens us, we too may feel like running to tell the rest of the Church what has happened. Will You Take It? Vocation Office
P.O. Box 206
Hales Corners, WI 53130
1-800-609-5559 |