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 Thomas 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.”
Thomas, an Apostle of Faith
1. Not with them. There are times when we’re overly engaged in apostolic work, always doing too many things, so we distance ourselves from our communities. This excessive activity pulls us away from communal life, from family relationships, and isolates us. We become out of touch with our families, friends, and our communities. We forget that it’s in our communities and families that we encounter Jesus. We weren’t made to be alone. The Apostles are great examples of how important community is. God has placed you in this community so that you can find Him in the midst of it. Don’t isolate yourself; instead share your gifts with others, even if you find it difficult. God will be with you.
2. Unless I see. Sometimes we get weighed down, we grow hardened and end up taking a very rationalistic and even resistant attitude towards others. It’s true that life’s challenges can weigh heavily, and sometimes they push us so far that we distance ourselves from the very God who chose us to proclaim Him. An apostle of Jesus who isolates himself or herself from the community and who neglects coming together with Jesus, can become a rationalist or a mere ideologue. Community and prayer are the keys to being a true apostle.
3. Believe. Faith is what allows us to see Jesus here and now. It’s Jesus who comes to meet us every day and lights our desire for an encounter with Him, and faith is the foundation of that encounter. Faith helps us to be happy, gives us strength at every moment and circumstance of our lives and empowers us to rise above, even when others might wish to see us fail. Have faith and take courage, even when life feels overwhelming. Trust in God’s plan, and remind yourself when you can, “My Lord and my God.”
Remember that something good is on the way.
God bless you and guard you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
