In people of a certain age, talking about health takes on something of a sport status. As they compare their prostates, blood pressure or whatever, what can be going on is a bit of you-think-you've-got-problems, let-me-tell-you-mine! One priest jokingly referred when heading out on his sick calls to having an organ recital - he heard of every ailment under the sun. Jesus today shows his wounds, not in any kind of show-off manner. Maybe more to remind us that in life, a few of the wounds remain with us and if we are wise they serve as reminders of what we have learned through the suffering.
When you think of it, Jesus could have been resurrected without the wounds, it was in God's power. But no – the wounds remain. They're not just to convince the Thomas's of our world “that we may believe” [Gospel]. They also remind us that you can only understand Easter Sunday in the light of Good Friday. Most people however, want their loved ones to return as they were, before illness, injury and dying disfigured them. They want the resurrection without the crucifixion. If there must be a Passion, let it be short and cosmetic. But for Doubting Thomas the proof of the resurrection is the crucifixion. The wounds are not just for show. Old Celtic crosses in Irish cemeteries remind us of that, with a halo of light around the top of the cross. There is literally no cross without a crown.
(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )