When the disciples see their risen Lord, they are overjoyed. He stands among them. He speaks to them. He sends them. Filled with His Spirit, they go out to bring forgiveness to all the world. There’s only one problem: Thomas, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the others when they first saw the risen Jesus. Thomas demands to see and touch Jesus for himself before he will believe. Jesus graciously accommodates Thomas’ demands and appears again, on the Sunday after Easter. “Stop doubting and believe,” He says. Thomas sees. Thomas touches. Thomas believes. And he confesses, “My Lord and my God!” As Jesus blesses us with His presence in Word and Sacrament, may we do the same.