Day 20: Touching Jesus' Scars
Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.
After his resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Meanwhile, the apostles were gathered behind locked doors in Jerusalem, afraid. Thomas was not with them when Jesus first appeared and had trouble believing, saying he needed to see and touch the nail marks himself (John 20:25). Jesus then appeared again, speaking to Thomas directly.
Read the passages slowly, imagining you are in that locked room and have just heard the disciples' incredible account. What do you see, hear, and feel? Notice how suddenly Jesus appears. What does his resurrected body look like? What expression do you see on his face as he appears to all the disciples, and then again for Thomas?
Jesus still bore the scars in his body after his resurrection, and he still does today. Prayerfully read the passage a second time, remembering that his body still bears the marks of his suffering.
As you close this time of prayer, and this path, talk with Jesus about what this passage has brought up for you.
Reflection Questions
Personal reflection:
What scars, emotional or physical, do you bear from your difficulties? What do they bring up for you: pain, gratitude, regret, or a mix of these and more?
Community discussion:
Jesus' risen body still bears the scars of his suffering. How do Jesus' scars help him know you better, and how do your scars help you know Jesus better?