Thomas Exists in All of Us

Doubting Thomas. Sadly, when we think of Thomas the Apostle, his questioning the resurrection without witnessing the Risen Lord first hand is what comes to mind. But is Thomas any different than the rest of us, any less a man of faith?

Thomas hailed from Galilee and is assumed by many to be a fisherman. Galilee was a small rural town at the time of Jesus. Most of the residents earned a living either in agriculture or fishing. Scripture tells us that Thomas was recruited by Simon Peter and his brother Andrew. Since both were fishermen, it would stand to reason that Thomas was also a fisherman. Although it is just as possible that he worked in the fields and the men knew one another apart from their occupations, perhaps at the same Synagogue. We know that Thomas had an inquisitive nature and wasn’t afraid to ask questions.

When Jesus told the Apostles that He was leaving to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house, everyone at the table was silent. Everyone that is except Thomas. He said aloud what most were thinking but afraid to ask. “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Thomas, like the others, believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. When Christ was arrested, did nothing to save Himself, and died on the cross, that had to shake everyone’s faith.

On Easter Sunday when the women went to the tomb to prepare Christ’s body, they found it empty and returned to the others to say His body had been taken. Simon Peter ran to the tomb with John to see for themselves. Doubt. When Christ appeared in the upper room, which was locked, those present immediately accepted His resurrection. Even then, they might not have understood that their risen teacher was God. Thomas had his doubts about the resurrection because he had not been a witness to the Risen Lord as the others had been. It is human nature to doubt what we have not seen or do not understand. Yet when Jesus appeared again, and Thomas was able to touch the wounds, he recognized immediately who Christ was, calling Him “My Lord and my God.” He had his doubts, but once he believed, Thomas was consumed by his belief.

It’s okay to question. What is not okay is to close your heart off, seal your soul away, and refuse to let the Lord in. I have always “believed” but not always surrendered to that belief. Giving myself completely to the Lord has filled my life with a joy and a peace unlike any other. That doesn’t mean life is perfect. Far from it. But then God isn’t here to make our earthly life easier. No, He is here to walk beside us through difficult times. He will wipe away your tears and quiet your soul in ways beyond understanding. Praise be!

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo
8 oz Orzo Pasta
1 lb (about 18) large Shrimp
1 bunch Asparagus
4 Garlic Cloves
1 Lemon
Fresh Parsley for garnish
2 tablespoons Italian Herb Olive Oil, divided
Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
4 tablespoons Butter
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
Pinch Cayenne Pepper

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook Orzo Pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water and set aside.

While the water comes to a boil and the orzo cooks, clean, peel and devein the shrimp, removing the tails if desired. Keep shrimp chilled until ready to cook. Clean and trim asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces. Peel and mince garlic; zest and juice lemons; snip parsley. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces; sauté for about 8 minutes, until bright green, tender-crisp and just beginning to char. Remove asparagus from skillet; set aside.

In the same skillet add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the shrimp, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 or 3 minutes; until the shrimp has turned a beautiful opaque color.

Return the asparagus to the skillet along with the drained orzo. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Add butter and the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Season with Italian Seasoning and a pinch of Cayenne for a little kick. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust season as necessary with salt and fresh pepper.

Remove skillet from heat; garnish with fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy this vibrant and delicious dish with an equally vibrant salad.

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You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen Me, says the Lord;
blessed are those who have not seen, but still, believe!