I inner wept all day yesterday. And again this morning reading this. After the tragedy that unfolded in Vancouver BC on the weekend, these words you wrote, Nadia ….”The story that Love will always conquer hate and that death has no sting and forgiveness is more powerful than violence and that despite it all it is always, always worth it to love God and love people.” Those words give my soul balm this morning.
Just WOW. I really needed this. As you say, 80 generations separate me from this story, and all my life I have listened to pastors tell it. But they tell it like a typical pastor tells it, with flowery language, like every other pastor tells it. Somehow you, a unique, modern pastor with your direct, blunt, everyday, 21st Century voice, make it real for me. I struggle so to believe it all, and that is why I needed this.
Thank you, Nadia, for this holy inspiration. What a welcome twist. Thomas’s, not the doubter, but the empath, the one who sees the pain, the one who sits with the pain, who does not just get over it. While the others ran away from the reality of the cross and into hiding, he stood with the cross. I have always wondered why Good Friday is the least visited service in this country, some churches even do not offer one. But then, on Easter every body wants to join the Halleluja chorus! But Thomas remembers the wounds. Surely he is the guy who does not bring fun to the party. But he is probably the one we need the most. Thank you for this epiphany 🙏
I so needed to hear this....a GOD who acknowledges that "the violence was real." Yes, the violence of abuse in my own life was real and to hear that my LORD also acknowledges that is so healing.
This is my favorite bible passage. I had it read at my wedding. I will read it at my mom’s internment. To see human realities in the text of miracles…to know that you can’t have faith without doubt. Your take on this passage adds to my love for it. Your talent for validating the complexities of human life and emotions, in the context of a loving god, is a balm for the soul. Ps—please come back to RVA. And thank you. 🙏🏻 👊
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book."-This verse has always seemed like a window to me. It says that there is more to what Jesus had done that is not in Scripture. The church of the West has a hard time believing that there could be more to Jesus than what recorded Scripture states. This should not be a threat. It should be a source of additional awe and wonder. And as the world around us becomes more violent every day, more awe and wonder of Jesus is more than welcome.
I actually love that verse because it validates all the deep conversations that Jesus most certainly must have had with his disciples along the trails to various locations (because that’s something you do when walking) and all the private revelations God has facilitated. And it, in part, validates, to me, the conversations he has with people today and the miracles that take place even now. There are several other passages in scripture that point to the works that were not written down and revelations yet to come, when followers were ready to handle it. To me, these passages seem give the Holy Spirit space to breathe and reveal God and His plans in ways that are not contained in written word - as though it’s a full-stop to all there is to know. All scripture is beneficial… fully true… but when the scripture itself points to things happening outside the scripture, it points to other things that are also true.
FYI… I’m a born-again charismatic Catholic (every time I write that I picture people gasping *the worst kind*!) 😄 I was raised non-denominational Protestant.
Or maybe thomas was like me when my sister woke up dead, for a long while i did not want the proof, i wanted to ignore it, the impending grief, hide from it, kinda pretend it didn't happen, so things could/would continue just like they are. We could do that, couldn't we? Just stay right here?
Proof rips the page out of the book i wanted to keep reading.
I dislike the fact that Thomas was labeled the doubting one after ALL of the disciples doubted Mary’s report from the tomb! Because they didn’t see Jesus with their own eyes.
This doubting, this desire for evidence, is simply human nature. Jesus understood and his reaction was - as it is with all of us - gentle and loving.
I appreciate hearing another perspective on this episode. Gentle and loving - that’s why I sometimes share your messages with some of my former therapy patients who need loving reassurance such as you provide. Thank you so much.
Pastor at my church had a great take on how Thomas has been maligned over the millennia; after all, Peter isn't referred to as Backstabbing Peter. Wonderful of you to share these messages, BTW. Blessings.
THIS is why I continue to follow you. As someone who suffers from PTSD, I had never thought about how much trauma these followers went through, and OF COURSE they had some major PTSD going on. What amazing insight you are gifted with. I downloaded The Book of Alchemy yesterday. Got so excited when I saw your name, went straight to it, and read it first! I'm working on my grief prompt. It's intense.
I think he may have been thinking, "I saw the pain Christ endured, and I need to feel his wounds to know his sacrifice in a tangible way because I want his love to be more just an abstract image in my mind."
The other strange thought I had come to mind is: What if Thomas didn't actually want Christ to come back to earth. What if he was afraid he would have to witness Christ being hurt again, like dude it's not safe here...stay up in heaven or go hang out somewhere else. He may have been experiencing such a conflict of emotions, joy at Christ being in the same room with him again and fear about what Christ being alive again would mean for Christ, Thomas, and everyone in their community.
I love this. I wrote something once about Jesus and Thomas and me and all of us who believe that ended with Cat Stevens' song, "How Can I Tell You." Maybe you'll like it, Pastor Nadia. I hope you will. https://themjkxn.substack.com/p/how-can-i-tell-you-991
Thanks for coming to Atlanta with the Red State Revival on Friday night. The video of the Sermon is online at https://www.youtube.com/live/YaHMdPW7ii8?feature=shared. There is a Q&A at the beginning of the video and Nadia's sermon starts at about 1 hour 17 minutes, and 15 seconds
I have always been fascinated that the resurrected, not resuscitated, body of Jesus, a glorified body, a truly transformed body in ways we cannot begin to understand, still bearing the wounds of his passion. I like to think that maybe all our wounds will be part of our risen glory as well. We don't just get a 'divine makeover' but we shine through all our pain and suffering - which actually is key to our beauty as deified beings. I am sure St. Basil, or St. Ephrem the Syrian, or somebody other than me actually wrote on this, so I cannot take credit. But the image is very beautiful to me. Thank you, Nadia. Christ is Risen!
I inner wept all day yesterday. And again this morning reading this. After the tragedy that unfolded in Vancouver BC on the weekend, these words you wrote, Nadia ….”The story that Love will always conquer hate and that death has no sting and forgiveness is more powerful than violence and that despite it all it is always, always worth it to love God and love people.” Those words give my soul balm this morning.
From the mouth and heart of Jesus- Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Just WOW. I really needed this. As you say, 80 generations separate me from this story, and all my life I have listened to pastors tell it. But they tell it like a typical pastor tells it, with flowery language, like every other pastor tells it. Somehow you, a unique, modern pastor with your direct, blunt, everyday, 21st Century voice, make it real for me. I struggle so to believe it all, and that is why I needed this.
Thank you, Nadia, for this holy inspiration. What a welcome twist. Thomas’s, not the doubter, but the empath, the one who sees the pain, the one who sits with the pain, who does not just get over it. While the others ran away from the reality of the cross and into hiding, he stood with the cross. I have always wondered why Good Friday is the least visited service in this country, some churches even do not offer one. But then, on Easter every body wants to join the Halleluja chorus! But Thomas remembers the wounds. Surely he is the guy who does not bring fun to the party. But he is probably the one we need the most. Thank you for this epiphany 🙏
I so needed to hear this....a GOD who acknowledges that "the violence was real." Yes, the violence of abuse in my own life was real and to hear that my LORD also acknowledges that is so healing.
You said what I was trying to say so much more eloquently. God bless you in your pain.
This is my favorite bible passage. I had it read at my wedding. I will read it at my mom’s internment. To see human realities in the text of miracles…to know that you can’t have faith without doubt. Your take on this passage adds to my love for it. Your talent for validating the complexities of human life and emotions, in the context of a loving god, is a balm for the soul. Ps—please come back to RVA. And thank you. 🙏🏻 👊
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book."-This verse has always seemed like a window to me. It says that there is more to what Jesus had done that is not in Scripture. The church of the West has a hard time believing that there could be more to Jesus than what recorded Scripture states. This should not be a threat. It should be a source of additional awe and wonder. And as the world around us becomes more violent every day, more awe and wonder of Jesus is more than welcome.
In the church I attend, our response to bible readings is "God is still speaking; thanks be to God." That really matters to me!
Exactly!!!
I actually love that verse because it validates all the deep conversations that Jesus most certainly must have had with his disciples along the trails to various locations (because that’s something you do when walking) and all the private revelations God has facilitated. And it, in part, validates, to me, the conversations he has with people today and the miracles that take place even now. There are several other passages in scripture that point to the works that were not written down and revelations yet to come, when followers were ready to handle it. To me, these passages seem give the Holy Spirit space to breathe and reveal God and His plans in ways that are not contained in written word - as though it’s a full-stop to all there is to know. All scripture is beneficial… fully true… but when the scripture itself points to things happening outside the scripture, it points to other things that are also true.
FYI… I’m a born-again charismatic Catholic (every time I write that I picture people gasping *the worst kind*!) 😄 I was raised non-denominational Protestant.
Or maybe thomas was like me when my sister woke up dead, for a long while i did not want the proof, i wanted to ignore it, the impending grief, hide from it, kinda pretend it didn't happen, so things could/would continue just like they are. We could do that, couldn't we? Just stay right here?
Proof rips the page out of the book i wanted to keep reading.
I dislike the fact that Thomas was labeled the doubting one after ALL of the disciples doubted Mary’s report from the tomb! Because they didn’t see Jesus with their own eyes.
This doubting, this desire for evidence, is simply human nature. Jesus understood and his reaction was - as it is with all of us - gentle and loving.
I appreciate hearing another perspective on this episode. Gentle and loving - that’s why I sometimes share your messages with some of my former therapy patients who need loving reassurance such as you provide. Thank you so much.
Pastor at my church had a great take on how Thomas has been maligned over the millennia; after all, Peter isn't referred to as Backstabbing Peter. Wonderful of you to share these messages, BTW. Blessings.
Dear Nadia,
THIS is why I continue to follow you. As someone who suffers from PTSD, I had never thought about how much trauma these followers went through, and OF COURSE they had some major PTSD going on. What amazing insight you are gifted with. I downloaded The Book of Alchemy yesterday. Got so excited when I saw your name, went straight to it, and read it first! I'm working on my grief prompt. It's intense.
Love,
Kat
I like this re-framing of Thomas.
I think he may have been thinking, "I saw the pain Christ endured, and I need to feel his wounds to know his sacrifice in a tangible way because I want his love to be more just an abstract image in my mind."
The other strange thought I had come to mind is: What if Thomas didn't actually want Christ to come back to earth. What if he was afraid he would have to witness Christ being hurt again, like dude it's not safe here...stay up in heaven or go hang out somewhere else. He may have been experiencing such a conflict of emotions, joy at Christ being in the same room with him again and fear about what Christ being alive again would mean for Christ, Thomas, and everyone in their community.
I always thought Thomas was grieving, not doubting.
I love this. I wrote something once about Jesus and Thomas and me and all of us who believe that ended with Cat Stevens' song, "How Can I Tell You." Maybe you'll like it, Pastor Nadia. I hope you will. https://themjkxn.substack.com/p/how-can-i-tell-you-991
Thanks for coming to Atlanta with the Red State Revival on Friday night. The video of the Sermon is online at https://www.youtube.com/live/YaHMdPW7ii8?feature=shared. There is a Q&A at the beginning of the video and Nadia's sermon starts at about 1 hour 17 minutes, and 15 seconds
Thanks for the link!
amen
I have always been fascinated that the resurrected, not resuscitated, body of Jesus, a glorified body, a truly transformed body in ways we cannot begin to understand, still bearing the wounds of his passion. I like to think that maybe all our wounds will be part of our risen glory as well. We don't just get a 'divine makeover' but we shine through all our pain and suffering - which actually is key to our beauty as deified beings. I am sure St. Basil, or St. Ephrem the Syrian, or somebody other than me actually wrote on this, so I cannot take credit. But the image is very beautiful to me. Thank you, Nadia. Christ is Risen!
Check this out -https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Ralph-Vaughan-Williams/Valiant-For-Truth
key lines, imho:
My marks and scars I carry with me
To be a witness for me
That I have fought his battles
Who now will be my rewarder.'
He is risen, indeed.