Today's Reflections
jesus appears to his disciples
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Jn 20:24-29
24Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So
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.” 26Now 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.” 27Then
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.” 28Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Reflection:
My Lord and my God! Thomas
missed the opportunity of encountering the risen Jesus because he was
not there with the community of disciples. He decided to be alone in his
grief (and doubts). Thomas doubted. He did not trust the words of his
fellow disciples. To believe, he wanted proofs. He wanted to be sure.
Jesus
appears the next time the community gathers and dispels Thomas doubts,
showing him the physical proofs the apostle wanted. And when Thomas sees
the risen Lord, he accepts his mistakes. In his humility he repents and
expresses his profound faith in the classic confession formula: “My
Lord and my God!”
This
is a faith that goes all the way as Thomas gives himself totally in
service to Jesus. Tradition has it that Thomas went as far as India to
spread the faith.
When
we withdraw from our community of faith, we miss great opportunities
and chances. When we separate ourselves and choose to be alone, we miss
the love and presence of the risen Jesus in the community.
Do you always look for signs,
for proofs from the Lord before committing
your life to his ways, works, and plans?
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