Have you ever heard a story being told and uttered "are you kidding" when the storyteller has reached the climax and the ending was almost too good to be true?  I don't know about you, but I never really know how to respond to that question when I'm the storyteller, sharing an unbelievable event.  I understand their unbelief, especially when common sense says that it just can't be.  The mind, as it is trying to put order to the events shared, throws up red flags, wondering what the punch line is going to be when you tell them that you're just pulling their leg!  Let's face it, some stories are just too good to be true!    

How many "are you kidding" type responses do you think were uttered after hearing the story of Christ's resurrection?  The Chief Priests have just heard from the guards watching the tomb the news that during the earthquake the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty.  The women and the disciples who went to the tomb as the sun was peaking over the horizon have just seen an angel who told them that He has risen, just like He said He would.  Christ appeared to Mary and she's told, "do not hold on to me."  The ten disciples who were gathered together discussing the previous days' events when Christ showed up, not knocking, but walking through the locked door.  The two Emmaus disciples who rush back to Jerusalem to share with the disciples the eye-opening adventure of eating bread with Christ.  And then there was Thomas, who arrived late and learns of Christ's appearance from the other disciples.  

Today's gospel reading recounts Thomas' "are you kidding?" response.   For some reason Thomas wasn't with the rest of the disciples when Christ made His grand entrance.  Maybe his reason for being late is similar to excuses we utter:  the traffic congestion was unbelievable; I forgot what time we were going to meet; I lost my keys; or I was waiting for the dessert I brought for you to finish baking!

Whatever the reason may have been, he knew he blew the opportunity to see His Lord.  He was disappointed and more than likely jealous that the rest of the group saw Christ firsthand and he didn't.  Maybe that was the reason for his bold statement, "unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."  

The gospels record the numerous appearances He made the next forty days and through them we know without a doubt that He has risen.  We don't need to respond with an "are you kidding" response.  There is no punch line, no "pulling of the leg."  We see the miracles, we know the promises.  It's an awesome story, one that propels us to share with others the message of life and salvation.   It's a story that strengthens our Christian faith.  It's a story that secures our lives forever with Jesus.  Who could you share this life, death, and life story with?

Enjoying the ride,