Pastor Jisun reflects about nicknames which can be hurtful to you. As a freckle-faced girl she was called a cabbage patch doll by her classmates. For some time she resented the nickname, but then gradually came to accept it. We do not make our own nicknames - they are given by others who perceive something about us. We can accept them or we can try to correct them.
During this time of Eastertide, Pastor Jisun brings up the nickname "Doubting Thomas" given to Thomas the Apostle, and explains the origin of the nickname. Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared before the disciples after He had risen from the dead. When Thomas was told that Jesus was alive, he refused to accept it and said "Unless I see the nail marks on His hands and put my hand into the wound on His side I will not believe it". The next time that Jesus appeared before the disciples Thomas was with them. When he saw Jesus, he needed no more proof and believed in the resurrection of Christ. Fear turned into joy, confusion turned into clarity and doubt turn into belief. Thomas no longer doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. So, does he still deserve to be called "Doubting Thomas"?
Pastor Jisun declares that she feels sympathy for Thomas because even she has doubts and questions when reading scripture. Thomas never got the chance to correct his nickname. When he got to see the risen Christ it was enough for him to believe, and he needed no more proof than what was shown to the other disciples. Thomas spent the rest of his life proclaiming the gospel in India until he was martyred for his faith. Perhaps he should be called "Honest Thomas" or "Seeking Thomas".
Jesus said to Thomas "Because you have seen you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe". We may not see Jesus face to face in this lifetime and have to rely on the testimony of others. We believe That Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life transcending all our differences. We are united in the name of Christ, we are one in the body of Christ, we are here because of Jesus. We are still seeking, we are still trusting and we are still following. Pastor Jisun says "When I need guidance in complicated moments I remember the words of John Wesley - do no harm, do good and stay in the love of God." In this Eastertide we have to reflect on how to live as Easter people and carry not the label of doubt but the gift of Christ's peace into a world that desperately needs it. Amen.
