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The Collect -
O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect -
Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Saint Thomas, Apostle.
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Cavaraggio painted a masterpiece of St. Thomas with the Resurrected Jesus. Medieval piety interpreted the wound in Jesus' side as Jesus' invitation to mystical union. Other symbols that medieval religious persons would associate with this story: the temple's veil is torn, the veil that separates us from God is open wide, the sacred heart of God is revealed as a pierced heart of Love. Those themes continued to resonate long after the Middle Ages came to a close. It is in this light that Caravaggio asks us to look at the literal depiction of that scene - the skeptical and literal St.Thomas exploring the unimaginable reality of the Resurrection. In this earthy picture, mystery is revealed.
- The Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson
The Collect -
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect -
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect -
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.