replied, “Until I have seen in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”Eight days later, the disciples were again inside the house and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; stretch out your hand, and put it into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe!”Thomas said, “You are my Lord and my God.” Jesus replied, “You believe because you see me, don’t you? Happy are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”There were many other signs that Jesus gave in the presence of his disciples, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded, so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Believe, and you will have life through his name!
Lectio Divina
READ: Thomas is known for doubting the resurrection of Jesus. He changes his mind when Jesus revisits. The First Reading presents what the believers in the Risen Lord can do. They can perform miracles. In the Second Reading, John becomes productive even in Exile in Patmos. He is asked to write God’s message for the churches.
REFLECT: Thomas makes an incredible demand. It is not only to see is to believe, but to touch is to believe. He is not contented with sight, for it can just be a hallucination brought about by their intense group crisis. Thomas makes a big gamble. He may become a laughing stock among the apostles. He will certainly become a failed apostle who has not completed his course on discipleship if he does not come to believe in the Risen Lord. Jesus comes to his rescue. He appears again and invites Thomas to touch and see his hands. Next he asks him to thrust (ballo) his hand on his side. Thomas now utters a profound profession of faith, “My God and my all.”
PRAY: Ask God to give you the gift of strong and active faith that makes you become outgoing.
ACT: Get involved in the Church. Use your talent in teaching, writing, giving instructions, facilitating or animating. Give time to charitable works.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019
