Rev. Rhoda S. Montgomery Meditation
John 20:24-29
| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 , 2012 | |
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It takes all my courage to visit the dentist yearly. (Okay, every other year...). I went a few weeks ago and as I was checking in, the receptionist asked, “Has anything changed since we saw you last?” For a moment my mind was flooded with images and stories. Then, recognizing she just wanted to know about my insurance, I simply said, “No.”
Change comes in many forms—sometimes it’s as shocking and as gentle as a breath. Even before Jesus appears, the disciples have already taken a big step on the road to Change. Despite their fears, despite their less-than-stellar behavior at the cross, the disciples banded together. They huddled in fear, but huddled together nonetheless, knowing nothing of what was to come next, but humbly knowing that they needed each other. Through such a humble door, it is quite easy for the Risen Lord to appear. And as much as we are tempted in this story to focus on “doubting Thomas,” the most important part of this story rests in what happens in between the visits from the Risen Jesus. It is during that time in between that a community is born. Something keeps the bewildered and the battered together for another week. Something keeps Thomas in the fold. Rather than run off and scatter, something leads the disciples to meet once again and wait and watch and hope. Something has definitely changed. Holy and Gracious God, in this season of waiting and watching, calm our fears and fill our hearts with hope. Amen.
The Rev Rhoda S. Montgomery (MDiv 2001)
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