The Velveteen Rabbit asked the Skin Horse, “What makes us real?” Being real was the greatest desire of the Velveteen Rabbit. The Skin Horse replied, “Love makes us real.”
On Sunday, our scripture told us of the disciple Thomas needing to see Jesus and touch his wounds for him to believe that Jesus’ resurrection was real; that Jesus’ appearance to the disciples the week before in the locked room was real.
Well, just like the Skin Horse told the Velveteen Rabbit, love did indeed make Jesus appearance real to Thomas. Jesus, in unconditional love with no judgment, appeared to Thomas and offered Thomas his scarred hand and his wounded flesh. Jesus met Thomas where he was, offered Thomas his love and in acknowledgement Thomas, knowing that love had indeed made Jesus’ appearance real, was able to proclaim, “My Lord and my God.”
My prayer for us all is that we can encounter the love of God and in that encounter we will know the real and risen Christ. He is risen! He is risen, indeed. We would love to hear from you. You can reach out to us at pastor@stmatthews-elca.org.
Peace and prayers,
Pastor Lesley