Even though they did not clearly understand, they needed nothing more. They rushed back to tell the others who believed on their testimony.
It is that readiness to believe that stands in such stark contrast to Thomas. It is no surprise that he has been nicknamed “the doubter.”
Thomas always needed to see in order to understand; he needed answers and explanations. Jesus always took the time to “show” him and to help him to “see.”
Jesus appeared a second time and invited Thomas to put his finger in his hand and in his side. That was enough.
Thomas made an elegant profession of faith: “My Lord and my God!”
We might be inclined to judge Thomas harshly, were it not so true about us also.
Are we always willing to believe what Jesus tells us? Do we accept his word, or do we also need proof?
In the beginning of today’s Gospel, when Jesus appeared to the disciples, he said to them: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
He breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
How many of us believe he has done that to us? How many believe that they were called and sent? How many actually believe they are filled with the Holy Spirit and have gifts to give?
How many have shared ministry within the church because they feel compelled to spread this good news to others?
This Sunday is also called Divine Mercy Sunday because of the proclamation in the second reading that God, in his great mercy, “gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Do we believe that?
Perhaps there is a little bit of the “doubter” in each of us? Perhaps we need to be shown and convinced of our importance in God’s plan?
Perhaps we need to believe that God has actually given us something, called us and is truly sending us forth?
Perhaps upon believing this, we, too, will respond with Thomas: “My Lord and my God!”
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
