Jn20: 24-29
On this feast of Saint Thomas the apostle, our gospel passage is about the
doubt of Thomas. As he missed the first encounter with Jesus, Thomas refused to
believe what the others told him. He said: Unless I see the mark of the nails
and put my fingers into the nailmarks, I will not believe.
If the story stops here we could say that Thomas was not a true disciple. But
as the story continues, we see the important element in the action of Jesus
Christ; he comes a second time and this time, Thomas is present. I think this action
is not to berate Thomas, but it is to give him what he needs to enhance and
encourage his faith. Jesus does not appear to correct Thomas. Jesus wants to
show that he offers himself so that all may have faith.
Thomas received another opportunity because our God is a God of mercy, and he
comes, not just once but repeatedly, so that all may be saved. Through Thomas, we have a
place and a reason to doubt. We have the right of questioning our faith.
Thomas’ doubt should not be understood only as lack of faith but as a valid
human effort to struggle with difficult issues. It is a valid human reaction to
question what seems absurd. Thomas' concern was to be sure of what they are
saying. And when he saw Jesus, there was no need for him to touch the nailmarks.
Instead he fell on his knees and cried: “My Lord and My God.”
This story is an assurance that the Lord will reveal himself, and will give an
unmistakable faith to those who want to believe. In Thomas we learn that even
doubts can eventually be resolved for the one who seek understanding. This
story is about a merciful and loving Jesus, who comes to us again and again to
give us what we need in order to believe. Through the intercession of Saint
Thomas, may the Lord come to us and strengthen our faith.
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