Let’s stay with Thomas for a little while. He’s often a “one and done” character, but as this hymn text shows us, his doubt led him to fresh faith and opportunities to share it with others. May it be so for us and those with whom we work and worship.
When Thomas Heard From Jesus
AURELIA (“The Church’s One Foundation”)
When Thomas heard from Jesus, “Now come and follow me,”
He surely went with gladness, for there was much to see.
He witnessed Jesus’ teaching and saw his healing touch;
He found a faith to guide him, a friend he loved so much.
When Jesus spoke of heaven, bold Thomas dared to say,
“We don’t know where you’re going! How can we know the way?”
He wanted understanding of what he could not see.
Then Jesus reassured him, “The way is here—through me.”
When crowds began to murmur and leaders raised their cry,
Brave Thomas spoke out firmly, “Let’s go with him and die.”
He ate at Jesus’ table, partaking wine and bread;
Yet later with the others, he saw the cross and fled.
What joy on Easter evening when many saw the Lord!
Yet Thomas was not with them and would not trust their word.
When Christ appeared before him, his doubts were quickly gone;
He gladly knew that evening the joy of Easter dawn.
That man of faith saw Jesus at breakfast by the sea;
At Pentecost he witnessed so others would believe.
O Lord, may we—like Thomas—keep growing day by day;
Increase our faith and guide us, for Lord, you are the Way.
Biblical References: Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; John 11:11-16, 14:1-7; 20:19-29; 21:1-7; Acts 1:12-14. Tune: Samuel S. Wesley, 1864. Text: Copyright © 2012 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com
