St. Thomas, December 21

Today the Lutheran and Episcopal/Anglican churches remember the life and ministry of Thomas the Apostle. (The Roman Catholic calendar has moved St. Thomas to July 3, the date of his commemoration in the Syrian Church. The Eastern churches observe Oct. 6. )

In a Lutheran community, at home privately or with fellow believers at the parish church, we listen to three readings from the Bible:

• Judges 6:36-40 (Gideon finds the fleece first wet, then dry.)
• Ephesians 4:11-16 (The Lord Jesus Christ equips his "holy people" for the work of ministry.)
• John 14:1-7 (When Thomas asks Jesus, "How can we know the way?" Jesus says, "I am the Way; I am Truth and Life."

For this day Grant Mauricio Gallup provides a thoughtful and challenging sermon for your head, heart, and hands. Here is a prayer you might slowly murmur today:

Everliving God, who strenghened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.