2nd Sunday of Easter (aka "Divine Mercy Sunday")
Q. 263: Has the tradition been too hard on the apostle Thomas, for "doubting" that Jesus had risen? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
(Cycle "C" - April 18, 2004)
A. 263: Actually, the tradition has served us well, by preserving this wonderful story in the gospel according to St. John (Jn 20:19-31). Previously, the risen Jesus had already appeared to the other apostles. They believed and rejoiced, and were given the Holy Spirit to be with them as they became empowered to be missionaries just like Jesus.
Thomas is like all of us. It is only natural that we would like to "see" the "real" Jesus, the one the apostles walked and talked with! But this story of Thomas helps us to see exactly what Jesus wants from all of us, what he is calling us to do. He is teaching us that the risen Christ can only be met in the faith of the believing and trusting community. St. Paul would soon be preaching that this faith comes from hearing, and what people need to hear is the word of God preached to them (Rom. 10). And stories of faith, like that of Thomas who struggled to believe, are always the best "witness" stories.
The risen Christ can be "seen," can become "visible" to others, but only through you and me - - at least this is the "norm" that Jesus has established. The One we caused to be crucified gave us the awesome gift of his peace; and now he wants us to pass that on to everyone we meet. Each one of us has many gifts that are given for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ, his Church. Love, peace, compassion and forgiveness rank at the top of the list of things to pass along. But it is our "faith," a living faith that is reflected in the way we live, that is the key to witnessing to the glory of God!
Know Your Catechism! Are there any obstacles that stand between you and a deeper faith in Jesus? Pray, "Lord, increase my faith!" Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we are constantly looking for (CCC #27). The miracles of Christ and the saints (such as those in the 1st Reading, Acts 5:12-16) and the fruitfulness and stability of the church are the "most certain" signs of divine revelation, and show that our "assent of faith" is not a blind impulse but rather arises from motives of credibility (CCC #156).
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
