From the responsorial psalm: “Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 20:24-29)
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.”
When Jesus first appeared to the disciples, Thomas was not present. Because he didn’t witness Jesus personally, Thomas declares he won’t believe Jesus is risen unless he can see the wounds from the nails and touch Jesus’ side. Thomas holds this conviction for what must have seemed like an eternity. A week later, Jesus appears again to the disciples and offers Thomas the chance to examine his wounds. At this, Thomas makes his great profession of faith. Speaking to all of us who have not witnessed the risen Christ personally and inviting us to broaden and deepen our faith, Jesus then says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Although the doors were locked when Thomas was with the other disciples, Jesus appears to them. In appearing to Thomas and wishing him peace, Jesus meets him where he is in his doubt and fulfills his desire to see and feel the wounds of the risen Christ.
God, strengthen my faith. Jesus is present still through prayer, through the Holy Spirit, in the sacraments of the Church, and in our loving obedience and service to your will. This is the risen Christ, present today. Give me the grace, Lord, to witness this and be a witness of Christ to others. You alone can take the initiative to work with my doubts and grant me the gift of faith. For your name’s sake, Lord, strengthen my faith. Saint Thomas, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.