“Paraphrase of Jesus to Thomas: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."”
A homily for the Feast of the Transfiguration connecting the gospel account (Matthew) and readings (Daniel, 2 Peter) to the Eucharist: the Transfiguration reveals Jesus’ divinity as a gift of hope and strength for the apostles and for believers, and faith opens our eyes to recognize Christ in the sacraments, scripture, the poor, and the life of the Church.
“"Because you have seen me, you believe; but blessed are those who have not seen, yet they believe."”
Pastor preaches that trials refine genuine faith and produce inexpressible joy because Christians have a living hope, a secure inheritance, and a protected salvation. God provides multicolored grace to match our varied trials; suffering is temporary and purifies faith so it becomes more valuable than gold. The sermon includes an invitation to trust Christ and practical encouragement to endure and learn during testing.
“Jesus speaking to Thomas after his resurrection: 'Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'”
Phil Dooley's Resurrection Sunday message teaches that believers are 'resurrection people'—called to allow Jesus to roll away the stones covering the dark, dead places in our lives so his light can bring standing up and recovery. Using the story of Lazarus, he draws four practical insights: see God's bigger purpose, expect both hope and controversy, pursue deep relationships, and keep moving forward. The sermon concludes with an invitation to respond, a reading of Psalm 23, and an offer of a New Testament.
“The affirmation in verse 29: blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (referenced alongside v.27).”
Final session of a three-week Bible study on controlling emotions, focusing on doubt through the story of Thomas. Main takeaways: doubt is a natural emotion, identify specific doubts, bring them to Jesus, correct your focus from what you see to God, and accept God's affirmation so faith can grow.
