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.”
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Some thoughts on this scripture
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.
Reflection
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.
Reflection
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.
Reflection
I have not seen and yet have come to believe. Jesus speaks of me in this
gospel and blesses me.