April 28, 2019
Second Sunday of Easter
I show my skepticism when I say: “I don’t buy it.” It probably is an expression I heard from my parents who grew up during the great depression. It is my translation of Thomas saying: “I will not believe.” Thomas is not buying or relying on the testimony of his brother and sister disciples. He wants some proof or evidence of the resurrection of Jesus. Again, on the first day of the week, although the doors are still locked, Jesus comes. Thomas is with them. Jesus greets his disciples: “Peace be with you.” Then he invites Thomas to see and to touch his wounds. Thomas exclaims: “My Lord and my God!” Here, near the end of the Gospel according to John, Jesus gives another beatitude: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” This beatitude seems to apply to all of us who have not seen the Risen Lord but who believe in the resurrection of Jesus.
Thomas is nicknamed “the twin.” We do not know the name of his twin brother or sister in the Bible, but we can certainly “relate” to Thomas. We have doubts of faith and disappointment in those in the Church who give witness to Jesus. We have not seen the Risen Lord. We desire to see some evidence of the presence of Jesus in the world, in the Church and in ourselves. Resurrection should make a difference!
I believe that in our midst we have witnesses who can speak of the presence of the Risen Lord in their lives. Pretend that we are breaking into small groups and asking each other if we have ever experienced the peace of Jesus in a profound way. We may be pleasantly surprised. Our expression is “seeing is believing” but we can also say “hearing is believing.” My great aunt Irene had a very difficult life. She was tough! Near the end of her life in the nursing home, she said to me tenderly: “Oh sweet Jesus!” My great aunt Irene is the twin of Thomas.
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Third Sunday of Easter
