Daily Devotion for Friday 2nd May 2025

Michael Smither was not actually commissioned to create this mural, but in his view the new, well-lit, walls of the recently completed St Joseph’s “cried out for murals.” His first charcoal sketch of the work was reportedly cleaned off by a church official in haste. A local priest, however, had seen it and suggested he remake it in a more permanent medium.  According to Smither: “He had once seen a couple of Stanley Spencer paintings in the Wellington City Gallery; they impressed me and set me reading. Spencer was interested more in form and space – not at all like the impressionists. It gave his work a solidity,” and Smither was looking for the same substance.  The focus of the work is as much the reaction of the other apostles as it is the Thomas and Christ figures. The work also includes women and children and even a little dog. The sense of weight and shape, and the addition of sharp, defined edges became a hallmark of his work. This work was to become the first of two murals in St Josephs, six years later it was joined by ‘The Baptism of Christ’ on the other wall at the back of the church – both are about 20’ long x 12’ high.

John 20.24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’  A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’                                                                 

Reflection

Imagine. Imagine sitting in your pew week after week sneaking sidelong glances towards this mural or revisiting small details as you half listen to the sermon. Imagine the back stories of the various characters in the scene. The excitement of children, the tears of the bewildered, the puzzlement or irritation of the figure distracted by your presence looking straight out at you. Imagine the incredulity, the shock, the laughter verging on hysteria. It’s almost chaotic, that scene, with some wanting to stop Thomas making an exhibition of himself and others hardly able to see what’s happening, standing on tiptoe at the back of the crowd.

Imagine. Week after week being asked to confront your own questions about Jesus. No certainty other than that which comes from experience, as life teaches you to believe more and more in less and less.

Skilled photographers can create clear, flat images of this mural to include in books, and to use in reflection with congregations and gatherings away from its home. The particular image used here begins to convey the full power of the mural. Life-sized, placed at eye level, as a continuation of the congregation. Not high up and distant as a work of art to be admired but as an immersive, surrounding experience to challenge and disturb. Maybe even this image becomes invisible after a while, as familiarity dulls the surprise and routine keeps the holy at a respectful distance.

Imagine. 

Prayer

God, give us enough:
     courage to doubt
     curiosity to question
     humility to believe
     grace to love
     energy to act
Amen