DOUBTING THOMAS

By Yasen Vedrin

(The Bird Within You)

"Rome has crucified Jesus! Heavy darkness fell low!"

Thomas thought in his sadness, under grief’s bitter blow.

"Death has seized Him too early and has torn Him away,

Though in this earthly life He was our light and our stay.

He had promised to rise, over death to prevail,

But for miracles now, Holy dreams start to fail.

Everyone sent by God in this wasteland has died.

Instead of pure joy – only fears I descried.

For without Him we're wretched, left as orphans in grief.

Who will shine like the sun now, to bring us relief?"

A quick lightning flash! Brilliant glory unrolled!

And the Lord stood among them, breaking loneliness’ hold.

And as Thomas perceives Him, shining bright in the skies,

He still rubs with his hands all his tear-weary eyes.

And he barely can speak two or three words with dread,

Burning under his doubt, while his cheeks turn to red.

"Let it clearly be seen that You live in our land,

In the wounds of Your flesh let me place now my hand…"

The Lord looks with pure grace and steps forward with peace,

And from this wretched doubter makes the disbelief cease.

"Come now, place your own finger in My wounds, as you said!

I was crucified there, with deep sorrow and dread!

But the dark power of death over Life has no might,

After Golgotha’s hill I returned to your sight!"

Broken down in the silence, Thomas reaches his hand,

And no trace of the darkness in his soul can now stand.

"I believe, Lord and God! Cleanse my shame and my sin!

For no mortal can shine like the Glory within!

In Your wounds flows the Mercy of the Father above.

To You my soul vows! You are called by my love!

Give the Flock that is faithful that blest, holy thrill,

To believe without sight – and more strongly than I still!"