Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 18: Year 2
Psalms 119:49 to 72, 49; Job 29:1,30:1 to 2,16-31; Acts 14:19 to 28; John 11:1 to 16
“Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow-disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)
I am so glad that I get to bring you this passage for its own use. I often have to make it an aside when talking about Thomas not being a doubter. Thomas is willing to give his life to follow Jesus. Jesus requires no less from us today.
The good news for us (in addition to the Good News of the Gospel itself), is that we don’t follow Jesus to a real and painful cross. We dedicate our lives to our Lord Jesus by dedicating our lives to prayer, study and charity while living a life of love.
When we are baptized, we are baptized into the death of Christ. This always needs an explanation when baptizing an infant. Death is the last thing on the mind of parents and family of the baby. But death is the unavoidable path of all life in creation. However, being baptized into the Death of Jesus we are raised into the Resurrection of Christ as well (Romans 6:3 and 4). The one brings about the other.
We cannot ransom our lives. We all are destined for death. But in death life is not ended, life is changed. “For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the heavens.” (BCP 382)
There have been many martyrs in our Church history. These were people who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel of God in the Name of Jesus Christ. Thomas was willing to give his life by following Jesus, even to the cross. How about you and me? Let’s start by dedicating our lives to prayer, study and charity while living a life of love.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to and through the saints of God and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John
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