Reflections of Scripture | Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
John 20:24-29

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 Thomas 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."

Reflection

Thomas, like a lot of us, doubted. I think we all do that. And Jesus response was not anger, but longing for that doubt to go away, and He said the most interesting thing I want you to look at me, not just see me, but touch the wound on my hands and then put your whole fist into my side, which is so interesting.

It's like, I want you to really know me. And then Thomas gave the most amazing affirmation of who Jesus is. He's called him my Lord, my teacher, my master. But also he called Him My God. He saw in Jesus who we are to become. Incarnate in the way, not exactly like Jesus, but God is in us. And He dwells there to minister.

That's what we have to believe. That's what Thomas saw and believed.

Closing Prayer

Father, help us not to fear doubting. It is often a way into which we find ourselves deeper into an understanding of our faith. Guide us through those moments. Lead us to finding the truth. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Kyle Cross