Jesus’ love reached out to Thomas, us

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

“Looking Ahead” is the reflection on this week’s Sunday readings, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

And thank you, God, for the gift of Thomas the Doubter. Such honesty and straightforwardness is refreshing and epitomized the person of Thomas. He insisted he would not believe if he did not see it with his own eyes.

But the Gospel now comes alive as Jesus’ love, care, and gentleness reached out to Thomas.

Jesus knew what he needed —

“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.”

He invited and called forth faith and trust from Thomas who did not disappoint. Only Thomas is recorded as uttering these words of faith —

“My Lord and my God!”

He received this invitation from Jesus the Christ, and sees, understands and professes faith.

Do we ever doubt? Are we seekers of faith? Do we hand over doubts and questions to the Lord?

Are we willing to allow him to call us to faith? Are we open to discovering, seeing, understanding and professing deeper faith?

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, perhaps we will experience the love and mercy of God in a way that transforms our faith and gives to us new life!