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April 6, 2024Have you ever noticed there is usually one person who is willing to say out loud what others are thinking? In our gospel reading this weekend, Thomas fills that role. He expresses the doubts and fears of those who had not yet encountered the Risen Lord, earning him the title, “Doubting Thomas.” In many ways, Thomas speaks for you and me who sometimes doubt, who sometimes struggle to understand, who sometimes allow fear to keep us from speaking the truth.
When Jesus first appeared to the disciples, Thomas was not present. He heard the good news of the resurrection from the others and had difficulty believing. Doubt vanished as he himself encountered Jesus inviting him to probe the wounds his body bore. Rather than recoiling in fear, Thomas makes the greatest expression of faith in our scriptures, “My Lord and my God.” We witness him move from doubt to faith.
Thomas again speaks for you and for me, and all those who have come to believe in our Risen Lord. “My Lord and my God” is a beautiful expression of faith each of us are invited to pray as we encounter the Risen Lord, moving from doubt, fear, or anxiety to the peace of faith. While we may not be invited to probe the nail marks with our own fingers, we too have come to believe in the Risen Lord, to experience the peace that Jesus gives to us.
My friends, when you find yourself struggling to believe, uncertain, or mired in fear or anxiety, allow those beautiful words of Thomas, “My Lord and my God” to become your prayer, as you invite the Risen Lord to fill you with peace.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.
Fr. Harry
