By the Marks - The Rev. Philip DeVaul

Rev. Phil reflects on the post-resurrection story where Jesus convinces skeptical disciples, especially Thomas, by showing the nail marks in his hands and the spear wound in his side, emphasizing that these marks remain on his resurrected, “perfect” body. He argues that this challenges the idea that healing means erasing pain or returning to an unblemished past, critiquing Christian spiritual escapism and urging prayer for God’s presence and power “on earth as it is in heaven” so people can partner with God to make the world more just and loving. Using the church’s COVID shutdown and nostalgia for earlier national eras as examples, he insists there is no going back and that wounds are part of identity. He also rejects body-hating theology, affirming the body as holy, unashamedly marked, and a visible sign of grace.

 

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