A New Look at Thomas

I dread the second Sunday of Easter. Because it's "Doubting Thomas" Sunday. And being named Thomas, I would get ribbed on that day--"Hi, how are you Doubting Thomas?" It's a day only one other can top for Thomases the world over. (That day being Thanksgiving. "Hi, how are you, Tom Turkey!!")

So you can understand my reluctance to get out of bed that morning!

I think old Thomas gets a bum deal. After all, he simply asks for what the other disciples had already--a personal appearance of the risen Christ! It's not like they told him Joseph of Arimethea stopped by. They said a former dead man dropped in for a visit--through locked doors! Can you blame him? Maybe I'm a little too defensive.

But Thomas did some other things, said some other stuff as well. (All right, one thing). When the disciples warn Jesus not to go to the dying Lazarus, for fear of the authorities, Thomas says, "Let us also go , that we might die with him." Sure beats denying him three times, or arguing over who gets to sit on Christ's left and right in heaven. Okay, so we don't know where "the Twin" was when Jesus actually was dying. Surely he didn't repeat that offer. And he seems to have been out running an errand or something when Jesus appeared to the disciples that Easter day. The good stuff always happens when you're out of the room! So he doubted.

But can't we just remember Thomas for his one shining moment, instead of his doubt--which I'm sure we all have experienced at one time or another?

At least, don't call me "Doubting Thomas" this coming Sunday!