The replay is a familiar TV technique for us. Whether it be a moment in sporting, political or world history – it can be repeated frame by frame across our screens. Just seven days after Easter Sunday, today's Gospel has a sense of repetition about it; but in fact every Sunday is meant to remind of the Resurrection since that first Easter.

Something which the early Christians grasped quite readily. It comes across in the warmth, concern and deep community spirit exhibited in the First Reading. The spirit of the first reading may not be mirrored so much in 21st century congregations. We all know that all important happenings need a follow-up. What has happened to that first love? Have you ever welcomed or chatted with another person in Church. Do we attend in some kind of pietistic isolation. What needs to be done? Well, simple things like actually greeting each other; "you're welcome", "good to see you" - the sacrament of the ordinary. It is heartbreaking to read accounts of people who simply stopped going to church as they weren't noticed, or addressed – their absence unheeded. Now that is something that Jesus who turned up for the originally absent Thomas wouldn't want.

(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )