Doubting Thomas (Jn 20:29) by Brandon McAuliffe

03 Jul Doubting Thomas (Jn 20:29) by Brandon McAuliffe

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.'” ~ Jn 20:29 (full readings)
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Brandon’s Reflections:  This weekend is full of cookouts and spending time together with our families and happens to coincide with one of my favorite Gospel stories. Jesus’ disciples were His family and in the time immediately following His crucifixion, I can’t even fathom how scared they must have been — especially when Jesus showed up. Thomas, who wasn’t there that evening, didn’t come to believe that Jesus was there until he was able to touch and feel the wounds personally a week later. In January 2015, Greg Abbott was sworn in as the Governor of Texas. He is the first Catholic governor we have had in 150 years. Ever since he took office, he has stayed true to his religious beliefs and has been active in the Pro Life movement. He also takes part in our annual Texas Rally for Life event. Our fight to protect the unborn is a never-ending fight, but I saw an awesome story in early June about how abortions were down nationally. That was one of the first times that I truly believed that what we are doing is more than just some words to people — it showed me that God is truly working through us. It also made me realize that I, too, am a Doubting Thomas.
* Brandon McAuliffe lives in Abilene, TX and has no children. He works in health insurance and journalism and has two nieces and a nephew..

Faith Challenge:   Our faith doesn’t work because our neighbor believes. Our faith works because deep down WE BELIEVE. Today’s Gospel reading is how Thomas came to believe. Today I challenge you to help someone in need find that belief down inside themselves.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Thomas
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Faith Quote:  “Jesus’ willingness to accommodate Thomas’ unbelief is a reminder that God can handle our doubt.” ~ David D. Flowers

Through Christ our Lord,
Brandon McAuliffe
Job 13:15