In the first line of the gospel this Sunday, we are told that “the doors were closed in the room where disciples were, for fear of the Jews.” Jesus’ disciples hid to escape the Jews who accused them of joining hands with an outlaw and finally stealing his body from the tomb. They were sad, disappointed and afraid after all they had seen and experienced a few days earlier.
Today’s passage is divided into two parts. First (vv. 19-23), Jesus gives his disciples his Spirit and enables them to overcome the forces of evil. The second (vv. 24-31) narrates the famous episode of the doubt of Thomas. In his account of Thomas, John sees him as a symbol of the difficulties faced by every disciple. He chose this apostle, perhaps because he had more difficulty or took more time than others to have faith.
According to traditions, Thomas was martyred in India in A.D. 72, long before John wrote the gospel about the year A.D. 95. The evangelist relates the story of the doubt Thomas to address questions and objections that some in his community constantly raised. Many had not seen the Lord Jesus or did not even know any of the apostles. They found it hard to believe; they struggled amid many doubts; they wanted to see, touch, and verify if the Lord had indeed risen.
Is it still possible for us to experience the Risen Lord? Is there evidence that he is alive? How is it that he no longer appears? These are the questions that many ask even today. This passage is a response to all such questions: There is no scientific proof for the resurrection of the Lord. Despite living with Jesus for three years, even the apostle did not possess proof of the resurrection. He is taught to have faith in what is not yet seen. Resurrection is a spiritual reality. If anyone insists on seeing, observing and touching to believe, one is renouncing the grace of faith.
Like Thomas, the doubters will never obtain any evidence. Contrary to what we see depicted in the artists’ paintings, not even Thomas had his hands on the wounds of the Lord. The text does not say that he has touched the Risen One. He pronounces his profession of faith after hearing the voice of the Risen One while he is with his brethren of the community. And the capacity to have this experience is offered to Christians of every age… every Sunday.
When Jesus appeared, he did not judge Thomas for his apparent lack of faith. He simply accepted Thomas and those who doubted the resurrection. There is no need to panic, worry, or get upset when we have doubts. We all go through times when our faith is not strong as we would like it to be. Jesus stands with us as he stands with Thomas. Jesus accepts us as he accepted Thomas.
For your reflection
When we are struggling with our faith, can we look to this great disciple of faith, Thomas and make his prayer ours’ today, ‘My Lord and my God.’
Father Josekutty
Mathew CMF
