O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing, vv. 5-8, ELW 386
Devotion
When Thomas first the tidings heard,
that they had seen the risen Lord,
he doubted the disciples' word.
Alleluia!
"My piercčd side, O Thomas, see,
and look upon my hands, my feet;
not faithless, but believing be."
Alleluia!
No longer Thomas then denied;
he saw the feet, the hands, the side;
"You are my Lord and God!" he cried.
Alleluia!
How blest are they who have not seen,
and yet whose faith has constant been,
for they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia!
We join in singing Thomas' great confession: "You are my Lord and God!" Why is it that Thomas is not better known for his statement of belief rather than for his earlier refusal to believe? We don't sing his refusal with him. We sing his confession with him, grateful that God overcomes all our resistance.
Each time we confess our faith it is a witness to a miraculous event. God has overcome once more everything that would keep us from believing, and then invited us to share that experience with those who stand beside us. What a privilege it is that when our faith is under attack we can go lean on the community as they surround us and own and share the faith that has been given them.
Prayer
Mighty God, help us confess with Thomas that Jesus is Lord and God. Help us sing it loud and clear, and help us hear our sisters and brothers who sing it with us. Amen.