John 20:19-31

Acts 4:32-35

Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1 John 5:1-6

John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week,

when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,

for fear of the Jews,

Jesus came and stood in their midst

and said to them, "Peace be with you."

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.

As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,

"Receive the Holy Spirit.

Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,

and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,

was not with them when Jesus came.

So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."

But he said to them,

"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands

and put my finger into the nailmarks

and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

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."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples

that are not written in this book.

But these are written that you may come to believe

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,

and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I truly desire eternal life in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. As I make my way through this passing world, keep my eyes fixed on heaven so that I may be an instrument of your merciful love. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief!

Encountering the Word of God

1. Wounds of Love: In the Gospel, John tells us about the first and second appearances of the risen Jesus. The first appearance took place on Sunday, the day of the Resurrection. The second also took place on Sunday, exactly one week later. For some reason, Thomas the Apostle was not present at the first appearance and said that he would not believe until he saw the risen Jesus and verified the wounds of his passion. Because of this, Thomas is called “doubting Thomas.” But, in truth, all of the apostles, except maybe for John, were slow to believe or doubted. In fact, the Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus rebuked the eleven for their unbelief. The Eleven didn’t believe Mary Magdalene when she told them that she had seen the risen Lord. And, although some disciples believed that Jesus had appeared to Simon Peter (Luke 24:33-35), some of the other disciples didn’t believe the two disciples who met Jesus on the way to Emmaus and recognized him in the breaking of the bread (Mark 16:12-13). Thomas does not believe until he sees what the other apostles and disciples saw. When Jesus appears for the second time, Jesus shows his hands and his side to Thomas and invites him to verify his wounds. This is important because the body of the risen Christ was different. Showing the nail holes and the opened side gives evidence of continuity. The risen Jesus is different but is the same person who was with them during his public ministry. The fact that the glorified body of the risen Jesus still bears the wounds of his crucifixion is a testimony to the depth of his love for us.

2. Two Gifts: When Jesus appears to his disciples, he gives them two gifts. The first is the gift of peace, which is a fruit of the New Covenant. At every eucharistic celebration, we recall this peace right before communion: “Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles: peace I leave you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.” Through faith and Baptism we enter into the New Covenant with Jesus and are reconciled with God. The second gift the risen Jesus gives his disciples is the gift of the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins. The Holy Spirit will guide the apostles to the fullness of truth about Jesus and his saving work. Jesus’ work of salvation is continued in the Church and in her Sacraments. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are reconciled with God again and the Church is renewed in holiness.

3. True Solidarity in the Early Christian Community: In the First Reading, we see the effects of Jesus’ gifts. The early Church was of one heart and mind. They lived in peace and harmony and shared their wealth and possessions with each other. This is true solidarity. Those who had shared generously with those in the community who were in need. No one was selfish but took on the care of their brothers and sisters, especially those in need.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, pour out your gifts of peace and the Holy Spirit into my heart. Fill me with your love and charity so that I may care for my brothers and sisters in need today. Inspire me to be generous and use my time and resources well.

Living the Word of God: Seeing the Apostle Thomas overcome his doubt with great faith comforts us in our insecurity. The words Jesus addresses to Thomas remind us of the true meaning of mature faith and encourage us to persevere in our journey of faith. Are there any doubts I need to overcome in my life of faith? Has my faith been rocked or weakened by the sins and crimes of members of the Church’s hierarchy? How is God calling me today to deepen in my faith and work to eradicate evil from our society and the Church?