Daily Prayer: a resource of Forward Movement

The Forward Day by Day Meditation for April 11, 2021

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SUNDAY, April 11 2 Easter

John 20:28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Parish priests know that people have their own little rituals for receiving communion. Some people look up and smile. Others stare intently at their hands. Most people say, “Amen,” but it’s not uncommon for someone to say, “Thank you.” In one of the churches I served, a man always said, “My Lord and my God” each time I placed the Body of Christ into his hands.

I never spoke with him about his response. But his practice moved me. Unfettered adoration is rare in our culture, even inside the church. To join with the apostle Thomas in professing our faith with awe is a beautiful thing.

It’s easy to get stuck on questions or problems in our faith. Doubt is the companion of faith, not its opposite. Spending time with the lives of the saints reminds us that nearly all the heroes of our faith wavered or wandered at times. The key is to keep moving, to look for Jesus. He is with us in the church, in the sacraments, and in his people. When we see him, let us say, “My Lord and my God!”

MOVING FORWARD: Whether through song or prayer or action, find a way to praise God today.

PRAY for the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean

Ps 133 | Acts 4:32-35 | 1 John 1:1—2:2 | John 20:19-31