“Yes” or “No"

Mario was a Chilean who had fled into exile after being tortured in his homeland. His wife and family had all disappeared. After months of treatment at a special hospital for the victims of torture, Mario found work at a nearby factory. His kindness and generosity earned him many friends, but they knew nothing about his past. One day, at a coffee break, he began to tell his work-mates a little about his life in Chile. Mario had few visible scars, so his friends found some of the things he told them difficult to believe. “Apart from anything else,” one of them remarked, “Mario is always so cheerful. There doesn’t seem to be an ounce of bitterness in his heart!”
We all search for cast iron proof that something has happened. In this weekend’s Gospel, despite seeing the joy on the faces of his fellow disciples, Thomas refused to believe that Jesus had actually been with them. Jesus stood among them again eight days later and Thomas was finally able to see for himself. On both occasions the first word that Jesus spoke was “Peace!” After all the suffering and torture of the preceding days, his first words to his disciples spoke of peace and forgiveness. Even with the disappointment of a disciple who did not believe, Jesus still spoke positively about those who had never seen and yet believed.
At their lowest moment, at a time when they were most frightened, Jesus came among his disciples. His presence brought them joy and peace - things which most people strive for throughout their lives. However, without faith it is impossible to experience the joy and peace that Jesus brings into our lives. Many of us will be like Thomas, searching for the cast-iron proof, wanting evidence about the resurrection of Jesus. Thomas only had to look at the joy in the other disciples’ faces. We too are encouraged to look at the joy in the lives of those who believe. There we will truly find the risen Lord! For the Christian, faith is much more than just saying, “I believe.” It is living a life that truly shows others that Jesus is indeed risen and alive in the world today!
The crucial moment in our lives is when we decide to say either “Yes” or “No” to God in Christ. At a certain level, we say “Yes,” perhaps. But then comes the question: “What difference does it make?” Our eyes have not seen Jesus as Thomas’ eyes saw. Our fingers have not examined Jesus’ wounded side as Thomas’ hand did. But even if they had, even if our voices cried out, “My Lord and my God!” as Thomas’ voice did, the question still remains: “Has our profession of faith made a difference in the way we live?