Proof Positive

In the world of today where skepticism and faith often clash, we are reminded that this was also true at the time of Jesus.

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

As we proceed though the Easter season, let's keep asking how we at Ascension can help bring God's Message of Love and Hope to those we deal with daily. This week at Ascension, Bible Study on Thursdays at 9AM.

Upcoming is Chicken and Biscuit Dinner, on the first Saturday of May. Thanks to Rev. Lumbard and those who joined in for the Lenten Discussion of Sr. Chittester's Cry Hope! Cry Justice! essays. Nazareth College is hosting an Interfaith conference this weekend where Sr. Chittester is one of the keynote speakers. There is lots to be understood in the good works of God's people around the world. Thank you for prayers for my mom's return to health. She is now home and doing much better. Here's another prayer request:

Thank you, Lord for your Easter blessing on us two millennia ago, and today, and tomorrow.But we are weak and fearful followers, like the apostles. Doubt and worry eat away at our faith. Help us in our doubt, Lord, to remember that You love us and care for usno matter what our sins, no matter how badly we fail and no matter how fearful we are. Keep us ever mindful that we are to believe and proclaim Your salvation in our cubes, our modules, our cells and in the yard.

We're wondering what you'd like to highlight in the Church's communications this spring and summer. Are there any special topics that you'd want to contribute to or learn about? Think about it and reply or get your thoughts to someone on Vestry or in the Church Office. Thanks,

Ascension Happenings,

Church of the Ascension
2 Riverside St.
Rochester, NY 14613
585-458-5423