Image: “Christ shows himself to Thomas” mosaic by Rowan and Irene LeCompte found in the National Cathedral, Washington, DC. Photo by Mary Ann Solari, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Every Wednesday we invite you to Pause and Pray with us. Today’s Pause & Pray is written/curated by Chapel Graduate Assistant Beth Quick.

Pray:

When Thomas touched the wounds
and set himself free
it was Easter day

When Peter’s three “yes’s” to Jesus
finished his three denials
it was Easter day

When Mary ready to embalm the dead
ran in fear from the empty tomb
it was Easter day

When the disciples looked from afar
at a breakfast of fish on the beach
it was Easter day

When Emmaus became synonymous with welcome
and the breaking of bread with strangers
it was Easter day

When Paul was blinded by the light
and recognised the voice niggling in his head
it was Easter day

When the hungry are fed at the table
the same table as the rich
it is Easter day

When weapons are beaten to ploughshares
and peace is a word to be shouted
it is Easter day

When the stranger is welcomed in community
and the lonely are restored to relationship
it is Easter day

Amen.

From Roddy Hamilton, Mucky Paws, http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws

Meditate:

“I guess what I am saying is don’t believe the paintings of the resurrection — where Jesus is all cleaned up and shiny, like nothing bad really happened.
If you think that’s what resurrection looks like, if you think it looks like perfection and therefore it is out of reach, if you think the only sign of God bringing new life is the absence of pain or failure and therefore you haven’t experienced it, you might be wrong.
That’s the point.” From Nadia Bolz-Weber, “Resurrection is Messy,” https://thecorners.substack.com/p/resurrection-is-messy

Listen:

“How Can I Keep From Singing”
Acapella Academy