As we know so well, Thomas missed the Risen Lord the
first time around. The other disciples described the scene in
vivid detail, but for Thomas, seeing was believing. And, of
course, what he saw wasn’t very convincing. After all, if
Jesus had really risen and had appeared to the disciples, why
were the doors still locked? Why were they still hiding in the
closet and not out on the streets proclaiming the good news?
Maybe what Thomas lacked was not faith in God, but faith in
the people around him! Thomas may be like the saying,
―Don’t believe what you hear.‖
Thomas had no difficulty believing in Jesus. ―My Lord
and my God,‖ he cries out. However, Thomas did have a
problem believing in his friends. Thomas wanted more than
just words. In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus gave his disciples
hope. He transformed their fear and restored their belief by
showing them his wounds. What do we do with our wounds?
We hide them, fearful that others might see our weaknesses
and vulnerability. At times we even deny to ourselves that we
are wounded. We are afraid to share that we have been
wounded by life. However, just as Thomas came to believe by
seeing Jesus’ wounds, we, too, can come to believe and
understand why some people are the way they are because of
the wounds that life has inflicted upon them.
There will be times, like Thomas, when we have our
doubts, but by being here we are actually testifying to our
hope in the wounded Son of God, the Risen Savior Jesus
Christ, our Lord and our God. And so, as you approach the
altar to receive the wounded but resurrected body of Our Lord,
show him your wounds. Pray for the courage to show
someone you trust your wounds, and pray for the humility to
allow someone to show you their wounds as well.
Peace be with you! This weekend’s Gospel is telling us
that our lives will include crucifixion and resurrection, death
and life, fear and peace! This is the peace of Christ that was
extended to Thomas who doubted him, and that is available to
each one of us today. We may not know where society is
going in its war against terrorism. We may not know where
the Church is going in its struggle to reform itself. We may
not know what direction our crazy economy is taking. But we
do know that the peace of Christ is available to us during these
difficult times. Like Thomas, our response must be, ―MY
LORD AND MY GOD!‖