Easter II, Year A

Thomas the Apostle is often remembered for “Doubting". In John 20:19–31, we discover that doubt is not a failure of faith but a pathway toward deeper understanding. While Thomas seeks clarity, the other disciples hide in fear and shame after the crucifixion, unable to face the risen Jesus. Yet Jesus comes to them anyway, meeting them in their fear—not with condemnation, but with peace: “Shalom,” meaning restoration and right relationship.

This sermon explores how Jesus still meets us in our own locked rooms of doubt, guilt, and fear, offering peace and renewal through the Holy Spirit. Because of the resurrection, we don’t have to wait for future hope; we can live in Christ’s peace now and share that same restoring peace with others.

 

Image credit: By Caravaggio - Self-scanned, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15219522