John 20:19-31

Reflection

Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room, where he breathes on them and gives them the power to forgive and retain sins. Thomas the Apostle is not with them, and when he is told that Jesus appeared, he says he will not believe unless he touches the wounds of Christ. A week later, Jesus reappears, this time with Thomas present, and Thomas comes to believe.

Thomas didn’t believe Jesus was risen because he couldn’t physically see him. Only after he touches the nail marks and pierced side does he truly believe. How often are we like Thomas, insisting on hard evidence to believe something, either about Christ or the Church? Why do we not simply have faith? Jesus asks us to trust him and put our faith in him.

This is what our faith is about. Believing in the risen Lord, his promises and teachings, even though he isn’t physically present (besides in the Eucharist). He asks us every day to continue developing along our spiritual journey by believing in him and his words – placing our ultimate trust in him – even if, and especially when, we don’t understand.

Saint of the Day

Divine Mercy Sunday

“Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory.” Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, paragraphs 47-48, Jesus to St. Faustina regarding the Divine Mercy image