Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

April 19, 2022

“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.’”

John 20:28-29

In our home we have a picture that reads, “God always shows up.”  I see those words and think we are the ones “who have not seen.” Yet with eyes of faith we do see, experience, and celebrate our Risen Savior. Thomas certainly did not expect Jesus to show up that day, so when he did all he could say was, “my Lord and my God!”  Maybe that is a big part of our faith; to celebrate Jesus especially in times we least expect the Lord’s presence. Think about those in the Bible who certainly did not expect God to show up; Abraham, Moses, King David, the prophets, Peter, Thomas, St. Paul.  All of these people came face to face with the presence of God when they needed God the most. So it is with you; you are blessed with the presence of Jesus at this very moment. Thomas tried hard not to believe but the love of God broke through his doubts and led him to perhaps the most powerful affirmation of faith in all of the Bible; “my Lord and my God.” Consider your life; the good times, challenging times, uncertain times, celebrating times, and quiet times.  At every moment of everyday, Jesus has been by your side and at times has carried you; sometimes it is obvious and other times not so much.  The Good News is that by faith you are never alone on life’s journey and the greatest affirmation of faith is the celebration of that fact. As you celebrate the blessings of everyday, even on those days where blessings may be hard to find, take time to thank Jesus for his presence with you; gratitude has a way of making each day a new beginning complete with your Risen Savior Jesus the Christ, who “always shows up.”  My Lord, and my God!