Seventh Time Wey Jesus Appear

Scripture Reading: John 20:24–29

Wetin Happen: Thomas no dey with di other disciples for Easter Sunday when di Lord appear to dem. E be like say Thomas no really doubt say Jesus don rise from death; instead, e be like say na by im own will e choose not to believe. This denial of Jesus wey rise from death na more of wetin e personally choose, no be just say e no understand.

Dem give us Thomas as example of all di people wey refuse to accept di Gospel because of pride. Maybe e vex when e realize say Jesus choose to appear to di others when e no dey there. This refusal wey Thomas first show suppose teach us say we must never allow our pride block us from willingly accepting di truths of God.

Take note say na only after eight days Jesus appear to di disciples again. Eight days! For Thomas, wey fit don dey brood over wetin happen, this time must don seem like say e no go ever end. E for don dey hear di joyful conversations wey di other disciples continue to dey join as dem discuss di gift wey dem receive as dem see our Lord. But all Thomas fit do na to sit down dey vex because e no see our Lord.

Of course, through di abundant mercy of God, all that change when Jesus appear to di disciples again, and this time Thomas dey there. For His great mercy, Jesus invite Thomas to touch di wounds, overcome im denial and pride, and begin to believe. Even though e far better to believe without seeing, Jesus humble Himself before Thomas and allow am to see. See di kind humility wey our Lord show! This na great lesson for us about how to treat people wey dey struggle with pride.

This passage about Thomas im failure and how e receive redemption na lesson about how far God dey willing to go to change us. Thomas cry out, “My Lord and my God!” Throughout di history of di Church, plenty people don dey traditionally talk these words for di moment of di consecration of di Sacred Host, to admit say all of us resemble Thomas well well.

Use this meditation to look especially at any way wey you, because of your pride, dey refuse to believe all wetin God dey teach us through Scripture and di Church. Believe. Surrender your unbelief to God.

Reflection: As you dey pray, think deeply about John 20:24–29, and use di methods of meditation and contemplation wey you don become familiar with.