In today's Gospel, John 20: 24-29, Thomas says to his fellow apostles, who testify to Jesus' resurrection from the dead, that he will not believe, unless he personally encounters the Risen Lord. Thomas does not put on airs. He is honest about his faith at that point. He has seen Jesus horribly crucified, dead on the cross, as any criminal crucified by the Romans. How could Jesus possibly be anything but dead. His hopes shattered. His belief destroyed, so it seemed, by doubt. "Unless I put my hands into the marks of His hands and side, I will not believe."
Thomas believes on his own merits. He believes after a personal encounter with the Risen Christ. That, too, is how our faith grows, namely, by developing a personal relationship with the Lord, by talking to the Lord, by spending time in His presence, by being honest with the Lord, not pretending, by seeking the Lord and sharing our doubts, fears, hurts, concerns, our love and faith, by being involved in what is happening in the world and striving to do good!
In the first reading, Eph. 2: 19-22, St Paul tells us that we are no longer strangers, aliens, or sojourners. We are members of the household of God with all of the saints and angels in heaven; yes, with St. Thomas and all of the apostles. Just as Thomas and the apostles shared intimately with Jesus, experienced what Jesus went through, so, too, do you and I. We are not strangers to suffering or resurrection, to doubt or faith, to love or a lack of love, anymore that Jesus was! Also, reflect on what it means to you to be a member of the household of God--think of what it means to be a member of your family and then translate that into being part of God's household. What a gift! What a privilege! What an honor! Just as I drop in anytime and am welcome in my family here on earth, am I welcome into God's house, day or night!
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