Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Encountering the Risen Lord
St. Thomas is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” because he would not believe in the appearance of Jesus risen unless he saw him with his own eyes and even touched his wounds. Yet, are we too quick to judge that as negative? Perhaps what was behind Thomas’ doubt was not rebellion but an honest desire. He wanted to encounter the Risen Lord personally.
And Jesus met him there. He appeared when Thomas was there. He showed him his wounded hands. He even took Thomas’ hand and put it into his wounded side. “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” “My Lord and my God!”
Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith is ours, as well. We all have moments of uncertainty—questions we are afraid to ask, wounds we long to see healed. But Thomas shows us that Jesus is not afraid of our doubts. He enters through locked doors, of upper rooms and hearts. He invites us to believe.
For the Journey:
Are you aware of your doubts or lack of faith? Like St. Thomas, ask Jesus to show himself—through the Scriptures, in the Mass, in everyday occurrences and your relationships.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections