We don’t know if Thomas even actually touched the wounds of Christ? Presumably he did, when Jesus invited and artistic representations show him doing so. Either way, he probably realised that faith is rarely simple; instead, like life itself, it often comes with mess and doubt, raising enormous questions. Living is not a simple business.
Thomas was a child of his time, but still reflects 21st century hesitation when it comes to matters of faith. Sometimes there is not a flat denial of truth but a mentality which is sceptical, suspicious, and demanding of hard evidence
Many are the questions of life; faith’s questions, hope’s questions, love’s questions. Can Christ be taken literally? Can dying produce new life? Will the last really someday be first? Will our graves too stand empty? Can we really rise up from all our sins, mistakes and losses?
As we stand with our own individual wounds, perhaps it strikes us that Jesus didn’t have to appear with wounds –but He did. The past is always with us. The wounds of emotion, anger, jealousy, hatred, murder, war and bitterness will settle down. In the end, it is the only question, that faith, hope and love will triumph as the ultimate reality.
If you believe, no proof is necessary, and if you don't no proof is sufficient."
(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )