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."
REFLECTION
"My Lord and my God!"
At every Eucharistic Mass many echo the words of St Thomas, “My Lord and my God”. We are reminded of the dramatic probing of St Thomas of Jesus’ wounds because of his disbelief. Was it not St Thomas who queried Jesus, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” ? We are the doubting Thomas, and we are reminded that it is Jesus who heals the “wounds of disbelief”.
The Lord’s wounds are our salvation and redemption. We can proclaim “My Lord and my God” as we combine our wounds with His— be they truly physical wounds, spiritual wounds, dismissiveness of people when we need help and compassion; and even losing our purpose in life. Our Lord fills the void in our weakness. Best to quit hiding behind our wounds and let Jesus speak through them.
If a wound is not cared for, infection settles in, creating a stench and a scar to remind us of our old hurts. We live in our own wounds. Let in the Great Physician and with His help let us work hard to let Charity and Mercy heal our wounds.
At the first encounter, St Thomas was the only apostle missing. It was Divine Providence that St Thomas was not present. His initial reaction was so human in his disbelief and wanting proof. It allows us to see our “wounds of disbelief”. “My Lord and my God” opens up our faith to what we cannot see. We cannot see God but we can see God made-man and everyday receive the Viaticum, our daily nourishment for our journey home. Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist.
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