Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
We don’t know where St. Thomas was when Jesus appeared to the disciples. Some commentators have suggested that the experience of Jesus’ crucifixion and death was devastating for Thomas, and he was experiencing discouragement at the events—his faith was shaken. This seems plausible since none of the apostles had understood Jesus’ words regarding his own Resurrection, nor did they expect that Jesus would appear to them in the upper room when they were behind a locked door. But whether they expected it or not, Jesus did appear to the apostles, and Jesus saw it important to appear again to them when Thomas was again with them. It was Thomas’ absence and his unbelief that brought about this most beautiful exchange and Thomas’ proclamation, “My Lord and my God!”
Important for us to remember is that Jesus doesn’t leave Thomas in his unbelief. Jesus treats Thomas with an understanding and compassionate heart—the same heart with which Jesus addresses us. Discouragement and unbelief are legitimate realities, not just in our world, but in lives, even in the hearts of believers. If some of the devil’s tactics are to sow doubt, discord, and discouragement, then the ministry of the Resurrected Christ is to counteract that attack by instilling hope, unity, and peace in the heart of His followers.
Jesus doesn’t just appear to Thomas and say, “Here I am, Thomas”, but he restores belief to Thomas in an intimate way, precisely in the way that Thomas had desired, by inviting Him to touch His hands and His side—it is a way of restoring faith that is very personal and direct. Jesus deals with us personally, and He does so with compassion; He knows our obstacles, and He gives us the opportunity to have them removed, if we so desire.
To encounter Jesus personally is to spend time with Him—to make time to visit the Blessed Sacrament, to pray not just when we ‘have to,’ but because we want to and desire it. Such an encounter will lead our hearts to join Thomas in crying out: “My Lord and my God.”
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections