On our son Thomas's grave marker, in his own handwriting, designed by his beloved Anna, are these words:

"Body is a microcosm of universe.

Changes in the universe are reflected in the body.

the body undergoes the same changes as the universe."

Michal and I had just returned from a Tai Chi class when we received Anna's phone call that he had passed peacefully and unexpectedly into the wider realms of divine light and love. Thomas had been waiting for a heart surgery which did not come soon enough. Ever since Thomas passed onward, Michal and I have deeply enjoyed exploring the Gospel of Thomas.

In moments when Thomas was not sure his surgery would come in time, he would say, "If I die, I hope that I will be able to explore the vast and amazing universe."

"Jesus said, 'Let one who seeks not stop seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will be troubled. When he is troubled, he will be astonished and will rule over all.'" (Gospel of Thomas, verse 2)

My primary guide for exploring The Gospel of Thomas is Professor Elaine Pagles' 2005 book, "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas," Random House, New York.