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Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius:
3rd week: Passion and death
unusual gift?
Thomas was absent on Easter night when Jesus appeared to the Apostles. So he doubted, saying he'd believe only when he put his finger in Jesus' wounds.
A week later, Jesus reappeared. This time Thomas was present. Jesus showed Thomas his wounds, saying, "Stop your doubting and believe." Thomas said:

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"Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!" John 20:27-29
Calvin Miller's book The Song contains a story about a woman who had no faith in God. She married and had three sons. Then tragedy struck.
One by one the three sons died. At the funeral of the first son, she was a nonbeliever. At the funeral of the second son, she became a seeker. At the funeral of the third son, she wept and became a believer.
What is Miller's point?
It takes time and faith to grasp the mystery that every sorrow is but wrapping paper around God's gift of a priceless blessing. Anonymous __________________________________
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