Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

Today is the feast day for St. Thomas the Apostle.

 

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”  

 

Gospel Reading: John :20:24-29

 

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

 

Have you ever doubted the existence of God?  Or have you ever said, “If you’ll just show me a sign, I’ll believe.”  Thomas, in today’s gospel reading probably reacts like most of us have done from one time or another.  We want proof before we will believe in the risen Christ.  Some people say that Thomas challenged God so that future man would truly know of his existence.  Thomas answers the question that we all want to ask.  It is through Thomas’ questioning that the true existence of God in Christ is revealed to man. Can you imagine what it must have been like at this time?  The apostles thought that Jesus had been defeated on the cross.  In their own fear, they abandoned Jesus at his time of glory.  Thomas’ doubt becomes our revelation as to the real existence of Christ.  It is through him that our abandonment can be restored.  Jesus mysteriously appeared in the locked room among the apostles and once Thomas sees the wounds of Jesus, he immediately believes.  This witness is now passed on to us as our confirmation to his resurrection because Christ knew that some of us needed proof of his resurrection.  Jesus walks among us every day.  He appears to us in small miracles and in the Eucharist.  He appears to us in so many ways, yet we still let doubt creep into our lives.  Thomas becomes the witness that helps us fend off the doubt and realize that Christ is among us even though we do not physically see him except through his miracles.  This is why Christ tells us, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believe.”  This Beatitude is a statement about our belief because our belief will bring us to the faith that leads to heavenly happiness.  Jesus offers us the Holy Spirit so that we may believe.  Open your eyes and let the light shine in for he is standing next to you.  If you need, reach out and touch him, he is there among you.

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, give me the strength to become one with you.

Let me believe in you without doubt;

Let me trust in you without fear;

For you are my savior and Lord.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon