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Like many biblical stories, there are many pictures, icons and statues depicting Doubting Thomas; but the one I find most remarkable is the one painted by the 16th century artist Caravaggio. In it, Thomas is portrayed in a most animated, almost humorous, pose of skepticism: he is bent over so he can peer closely into the side of Jesus, his left hand perched doggedly on his hip, and his eyes are opened wide in order to scrutinize every bit of this wound. His right wrist is held by Christ, as He draws Thomas\u2019s hand, his index finger extended, right into the hole that is in Jesus\u2019 flesh. Two other disciples stand watching, mouths gaping open, as if they are more astonished by a shameless act of touching, than by the miraculous appearance of the crucified Christ.<\/p>\n

But here is where Caravaggio has captured most vividly an essential element of this scene. Unlike many other pictures where Thomas is barely touching the body of Christ, this artist has Thomas\u2019s finger stuck right into the side of Jesus, so much so that the Savior\u2019s skin is pushed up by Thomas\u2019s knuckle. Seeing this graphic illustration, I, too, find myself scandalized by this impetuous invasion of Jesus\u2019 body. But that\u2019s it! It\u2019s Jesus\u2019 body\u2014His real, flesh and blood, living body. I can empathize with those men and women who simply could not believe what they were seeing. Or, perhaps, to put it more accurately, could only believe what they could see. . . .<\/p>\n

\nThrough the testimony of His Apostles, Christ continues to proclaim His victory over the world. When He showed Himself to them, He breathed on them His Holy Spirit and gave them the office and the authority that sets people free from the darkness of death: the Ministry of the forgiveness of sins. It is in forgiving sins that Christ imparts life and salvation. That forgiveness He dispenses by His Word and Spirit, by the preaching of His Gospel and Sacraments. The voice of Christ\u2019s minister absolving sins is the voice of Christ absolving sins. The proclamation of the Gospel in the Church is the breath of the Spirit blowing through our land. The baptismal Font and the holy Chalice is where we find the flood of cleansing water and blood pouring forth from the side of Christ. And in the blessed Host the very body that Thomas once put his hand into, is now put into your hand and mouth so that you may believe and confess Christ as Lord and God. And when we sing after every Lord\u2019s Supper, \u201cMine eyes have seen Thy salvation,\u201d we are making the bold confession of all those who behold by faith the risen Lord Jesus Christ.\n

via Weedon\u2019s Blog: Pastor Gleason\u2019s Homily<\/a>.<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ $\"Caravaggio\"$ <\/p><\/div>\n<\/blockquote><\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"