John 20:24-29 NRSVue
24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Reflection on John 20:24-29
Inspiration from 2025-07-03 Daily Prayer
How often over the centuries have people said to themselves, Oh, if only I could see God once or hear his voice. But God is Spirit and cannot be seen. The Jews saw a man and, given their background in the Old Testament, could have no idea that this was God. St. Paul reminds us in Philippians that although we once saw Jesus in the flesh, that is not how we see him now. Now, we see and hear him only through our faith. And we are blessed because we can now give Jesus joy through our faith in Him. ‘Lord we believe, help Thou our unbelief.’
Further reflection
When Thomas says, "Unless....I will not believe", what do I hear in that voice? Hard man? A skeptic? /I've been hurt once and won't let it happen again?/ Whatever was going on in Thomas' heart was put to rights in the meeting with Jesus. How does this speak to me? This is the Resurrection from the point of view of a sceptic who won't simply take the word of others.
How do I respond to Thomas? With laughter, scorn, sympathy or fellow-feeling? If I follow through the scene with Thomas, I might learn much about faith and about myself.
We see that Thomas lacked faith in his brothers and sisters. His independent mindedness refused to accept their word, wanting to reach his own conclusions for himself. If I am to be a Christian I am called to belong to others - to grow in trust of them if I am to grow in faith in God.
I have not seen and yet have come to believe. Jesus speaks of me in this gospel and blesses me.