The Holy Spirit Guides Disciples both Old and New
Jesus and His 12 disciples had gathered for what we think was the Passover meal on Thursday (Maundy Thursday) in fellowship – a gathering where they would have recounted their Jewish heritage. Following the meal, they go to a garden (Gethsemane) where their teacher is arrested, tried, beaten and nailed to a cross with the title of "King of the Jews" above His head. This was on Friday (Good Friday).
On Sunday, they cannot find His body that they buried in Joseph of Arimathea's tomb. By then, Judas, who betrayed Jesus, has killed himself, and Thomas has gone off to be by himself. The other ten have returned to a room with a locked door (Perhaps, this was the room used for the Last Supper.) in fear of being arrested because of their connection with Jesus. They have come a long way in a short time and are fearful of what the future holds. It is into this gathering that Jesus appears.
The first thing He does is try to put them at ease by saying, "Shalom – Peace be with you." He shows them His wounds, breathes on them and gives them the Holy Spirit so that they could go out into the world and minister in His name.
When Thomas returns, he does not believe any of this until he can see and touch for himself. Thomas represents all of us because we too struggle to believe, but Jesus will not let it stop there. He returns a week later to show Thomas His wounds. True to Jesus’ word, Thomas sees and touches and believes. Thomas has at least two virtues: He refuses to say he understands what he does not understand or believe; then, when he is sure, he gives it all he has when he says, "My Lord and My God!". From this, Thomas, gives us the sacrament of touch.
We were not there to see or touch as the disciples were, so our belief comes from faith that comes from reading the Bible, hearing the stories of God and His son, Jesus, attending worship services and interacting with those who have faith (John: 19-31).
The Book of Acts, written by Luke, tells us that the disciples overcome their fears that had them locked up in a room. They took the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had given them and went out and performed signs and wonders among the people. Yet, just as the religious leaders were jealous of Jesus, they were jealous toward the disciples and had them arrested.
Once again, the presence of the Lord was amid them while they were in jail. God's agent, an angel, opened the jail door and set them free. So, they were free to continue making the risen Lord known to all who would listen. They took the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had given them and went out and started a faith that has changed the world forever. What can we do with our faith to help continue that process?
Let us pray.
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to the glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (1)
(1) "The Book of Common Prayer", pages 832-833
