It’s where most of us live our dash, in silent Saturdays. Life tucked between the headlines of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Nothing all that bad or good going on. Just life lived but largely unnoticed. No miracles around. Maybe a little like the disciples, in the silence we wonder what we believe, who to believe, or if belief even matters. Especially, when bad things happen to good people, our prayers seem unheard or maybe life’s good enough without God.
Since I began this post, we celebrated Easter and are well into the days of Easter week. But for many of us, it’s still Saturday. We wonder and maybe wish, but can’t quite believe in miracles, especially the one of Jesus coming back to life. And if that’s not true, what is true in Christianity? Is this just a sweet analogy about springtime, life blossoming forth, like the forsythia outside my front door. Nature reminding us that winter doesn’t last.
Well, that’s an answer for some. But I choose to believe Jesus was for real, as was his death and resurrection. However, even if I died tonight and found out there’s nothing beyond death, I would still want to shout(if dead folks can), “What a life!” But I can’t shake loose the thought that I am more than a body and mind. There’s a soul inside and life beyond what I see and know. Miracle seeds for growing hope about something wonderful just around the bend.
Today in Morning Prayers at Canterbury we read about Thomas, the one called “Doubting Thomas.” When told other disciples had seen Jesus alive, Thomas said he wouldn’t believe unless he could feel the nail prints in the hands of Jesus and touch the scar in his side.
Then a few days later Jesus showed up and invited Thomas to touch those scars. Thomas touched, believed and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.” But then Jesus said, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe any way.(John 20:27-29, NLT)
That’s me, and many of you.
We’re the “any way” folks.
Blessed.
“The final secret, I think, is this: that the words ‘You shall love the Lord your God’ becomes in the end less a command than a promise.” (from A Room Called Remember by Buechner)
Blessed by loving God.
Believing.
Any way.
Especially on silent Saturdays.
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Okay, I worked my way to the comment page – no new platform can deter me. If I want to say something silly, I will find a way. Actually, doubting Thomas and doubting Dale only are separated by a few years. I would not have been satisfied with just seeing the scars and I would have wanted to insert my finger for the ultimate validation. Of course, then I would have wanted to know how He got here without using the door! Intellectually, I agree this life would still be my preference but thankfully I don’t have to speculate. I have experienced Jesus for the last 64 years and still long to insert my fingers just to be sure. 🙂
Thanks for working your way to the comment page, Dale. You’re always worth reading. Buechner once said, “Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith.”” I like that.
Thanks for working your way to the comment page, Dale. You’re always worth reading. Buechner once wrote, “Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith.” I like that.
Thomas was brave enough to voice what many feel, and what, doubtless, some of his colleagues were unwilling to utter!
Yes, brave and honest, David. I love the painting by Caravaggio of Jesus guiding the finger of Thomas to his pierced side. It’s entitled,
“The Incredulity of Saint Thomas.” So tender, not shaming. What a moment for the two of them, while others looked on and maybe wished they’d had the courage to touch the One who’d marked them for life. For Good.
It’s a silent Saturday and I am grateful for your words on this beautiful day a reminder of all that is good. I am also reminded of a song I used to sing
Originally sung by Evie
If there were never any streets of gold neither a place where we will never grow old, it’s been worth just having the Lord in my life. We’re living in a world of darkness but He brought me the light!
Yes, dear Joyce. Another good reminder. Can’t imagine my life without that Light! Keep singing.