This past Sunday was 'Low Sunday'. Sort of a strange name don't you think? Maybe that name makes sense as we all came down off our Easter marshmallow and sugar highs. And really that could be the meaning of the term only in a spiritual sense, as in we come crashing down off our Easter spiritual high.
More than likely though the term 'Low Sunday' is derived from the Latin word 'laude' which means 'praise'. I like that idea much better, that this Sunday is one to be praising God, to still be fired up about our Easter gifts of hope, salvation and faith. On Low Sunday as the old hymn says we should give 'all glory, laud and honor to our Redeemer King'.
But 'Low Sunday' as in feeling down also fits well with the other common name for this Sunday, 'Thomas Sunday' where most churches -including our own- retell the historic event of Thomas seeing Jesus' wounds. Clearly Jesus' death was a low point for Thomas, the guy who when the other disciples wanted to take the safe road encouraged everyone to follow Jesus down a dangerous path and to even die with Him. Thomas, the guy who would become the first man recorded to proclaim Jesus as his Lord and King was certainly feeling down before Jesus appeared. Even when the others told him of Jesus' return, Thomas was too low to want to hear any of it.
So maybe 'Low Sunday' is a good time to consider that we don't always feel 'up' either, that sometimes we struggle with daily life, with finances, with job concerns or family matters, not to mention worries and concerns we keep to ourselves. Some deal with depression on a daily basis, others deal with health issues, and yet others deal with loss of loved ones, loneliness and broken hearts. This list goes on and on. We've all had 'Low Sundays' of our own haven't we, not to mention Low Mondays and Low Tuesdays and well, you get the the point.
Thomas wasn't around when Jesus first appeared to the disciples, maybe he was so down, so low he didn't want to get out with the boys. I can easily imagine Thomas finally agreeing to be with the others even though he was disheartened. There he sat, amidst a group of 'up' and excited disciples just wanting to go home, depressed about having to be around a bunch of happy people. Little did he know he was about to receive an amazing gift while he was with his fellow believers.
At his lowest point Jesus appeared to Thomas, to show him He was alive! And it is at church, where we meet to encourage one another that Jesus comes to us as well, no matter how low we feel, with His amazing gifts through His Word and Sacraments. On any low Sunday Jesus will touch your heart, add to your faith, give you strength and a joy and a confidence in believing. This isn't just happy religious speak, it's Gospel truth!
Garth Brooks almost had it right, the Good News is 'I've got a Friend in my Low Places'. He's always there for you, especially with your brothers and sisters at Atonement. You know for sure that Thomas went from low to laude (praising) in a heartbeat. Maybe this Sunday will be both for you as well. Praise God for our Confirmation, Low, Thomas, Laud, Praising Sunday service.Laud-ly Yours,Keith P.
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