Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 20,24-29.
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to 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 into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
An Apostle of Faith
1) He was Not with Them: There are times in our lives when we find ourselves doing too many things, leading us to distance ourselves from our communities. We end up isolating ourselves from family and friends by doing too much; it becomes a self-imposed wilderness. We become out of touch with our families and our communities. We forget that it is in our communities and families that we meet Jesus. We were not made to be alone. The Apostles were great examples of how important community is. We were made to encounter Jesus through the people and places He brings us to. Do not isolate yourself from these places. Share your gifts with others, even if you find it difficult. God will be with you.
2) The Doubting Thomas-I Can’t See: Sometimes we get weighed down and end up having a negative attitude towards others. It is true that the bumps in the road of life can make us hard and at times, actually distance us from God; the same God who chose us to speak on His behalf. An apostle of Jesus who isolates himself from the community and who neglects that encounter with Jesus, can become hard. Community and prayer are the key to being an apostle.
3) Believe: Faith is what leads us to see Jesus here and now. It is Jesus who comes to meet us everyday and lights our desires for an encounter with Him. He demands faith. It is faith that helps us to be happy. It is faith that gives us strength in every moment and circumstance of our lives. It is faith that leads us to be the ‘better person’ even when everyone would like to see you fall. Have faith and dare to do big things. May God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Peace.
Voice over: LF
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