JESUS TO THOMAS AFTER THE RESURRECTION JOHN 20:29B

One of the things I love about the Gospels is how very ordinary the disciples are. Other than perhaps Matthew the tax collector, they are uneducated, often confused and often slow on the up-take. While the impulsive Peter gets almost all the lines in the synoptics, in John we get glimpses of several disciples, especially Thomas.

 In today’s Gospel, the disciples are huddled together in fear when Jesus appears to them. Thomas is not there. Like their reaction to Mary Magdalene, Thomas reacts to their story of the risen Jesus with disbelief. When Jesus appears again when Thomas is there, he very patiently offers his hands and sides to Thomas with the admonition that “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

And that is us! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

During this Covid-19 crisis, we can best love each other by honoring the Governor’s “Stay Home / Stay Healthy” order. In Washington, we seem to have “flattened the curve”. This is not a good time to relax, however! We need to stay the course and defeat this disease!

We know that many parishioners have been laid off or furloughed in these tragic times. If you are one of the fortunate households who still have their regular income, please remember both your parish and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Your parish would like to keep our staff intact, and the demands on St. Vincent are greater than ever.

You can make a contribution online at st-therese.org and clicking on the “Donate Now” button or use the Push-Pay app on your phone. If you are giving through automatic transfers, please go onto your phone and download the Push-Pay app. When you get to “search for your church” enter “saint therese.” Be sure to send a note to Diane Figaro at paa@st-therese.cc so she can discontinue your automatic transfer through our current agent. Of course, checks are also accepted. The mailing address of the office is 3416 E. Marion Street, Seattle, 98122.

Contributions to St Vincent de Paul can be made at their website: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E346699&id=5(specify St. Therese Conference) or mailed to the parish office at the above address. Make checks payable to the St Vincent de Paul Society.