Gospel Reflection for the 2nd. Sunday of Easter

8th April – Doubting Thomas Believes….

I wonder would it be right to suggest that after Judas who betrayed Jesus, Thomas is perhaps the least liked apostle and follower of Jesus. After all he had been with Jesus for three years during his public ministry. He heard Jesus speak and teach. He had seen and experienced some of Jesus’ most power miracles. He had prayed and eaten with Jesus on numerous occasions. And yet, Thomas still doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. I do feel sorry for him. He is forever known as the one who would not or could not believe. He wanted and needed concrete evidence that Jesus had indeed risen and was alive.

After his resurrection, Jesus continues to appear to his friends and followers. Through appearing to the men and women who were his friends and followers, he encourages and strengthens them; he calms their fears. When he appears to them, he says, Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Thomas is not with them when Jesus appears. The others tell him that Jesus had appeared to them and spoke to them. But he does not believe and he is not convinced and so ‘Doubting Thomas’ is born.’ I think we have to be careful about over criticising Thomas for his apparent lack of faith. Perhaps we should admire and applaud him for his honesty and conviction. He is honest with himself and others. He desperately wants to meet and experience the risen Jesus for himself.

He is not the only one who doubted that Jesus had risen. When Mary Magdalene told the others that she had met the Risen Lord, none of them believed her. In fact, most if not all the followers of Jesus doubted.

When Jesus does appear again, he asks Thomas to touch and put his finger into his wounds. Then he can have the proof he needs to believe. But the gospel doesn’t say that Thomas did this. Instead it tells us that he cried out loudly, ‘My Lord and my God.’ This is the prayer of someone who believes, not someone who doubts.

None of us go through life without struggles and doubts. There are times when we are at our weakest, whether physically, emotionally our spirituality. Difficult as it can be, we have to believe and trust that Jesus is with us just as was with Thomas. Jesus is always with us, especially when we feel we are most alone and doubting. When we are struggling to believe, it can help to realise that we are not in control and neither are we on our own. It can be a time of growth for us as we reach out and ask God to help us with our doubts and whatever we are struggling with.

When have these doubts, may we have the faith and courage of Thomas. Like him, may we say with courage and conviction, My Lord and my God.

• Michael Moore OMI