If We Were Faithful Like Thomas--Sept. 10, 2014

 [From Sept. 12, 2012 archive]

O Lord of righteousness and justice,

we marvel at your steadfast love.

If we were like Thomas, we would be

willing to go with you, whatever the danger.

If like Paul and Barnabas, we would encourage

our brothers and sisters to continue in the faith.

Jesus, forbid we should turn against the needy;

may we weep for those whose day was hard;

and may our souls grieve for the poor.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 89:1-18; 147:1-11; 1; 33

Job 29:1, 30:1-2, 16-31

Acts 14:19-28

John 11:1-16

Selected Verses

Ps. 33:5

[The LORD] loves righteousness and justice;
          the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

Job 30:24

"Surely one does not turn against the needy, when in disaster they cry for help.  Did I not weep for those whose day was hard?  Was not my soul grieved for the poor?  …"  [Job complains against God]

Acts 14:22

[In Antioch Paul and Barnabas] strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, "It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God."

John 11:16

Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with [Jesus]."