“MY LORD AND MY GOD (Jn 20:28)!”
This was Thomas’ reply when Jesus appeared once more to the Apostles.
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. (Jn 20:29)”
Thomas’ reply was not simply an exclamation: it is an assertion, an admirable act of faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ. Thomas’ doubting moves our Lord to give him special proof that his risen body is quite real. By so doing he bolsters the faith of those who would later on find faith in him.
St. Gregory the Great comments: “Surely you do not think that it was a pure accident that that chosen disciple was missing; who on his return was told about the appearance and on hearing about it doubted; doubting, so that he might touch and believe by touching? It was not an accident; God arranged that it should happen. His clemency acted in this wonderful way so that through the doubting disciple touching the wounds in his Master’s body, our own wounds of incredulity might be healed… And so the disciple, doubting and touching, was changed into a witness of the truth of the Resurrection” (In Evangelia homiliae, 26, 7).
“What follows pleases us greatly: ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ For undoubtedly it is we who are meant, who confess with our soul him whom we have not seen in the flesh. It refers to us, provided we live in accordance with the faith, for only he truly believes who practises what he believes” (In Evangelia homiliae, 26, 9).
Lord, we believe in your real, true and substantial presence in the Most Holy Eucharist. Help us grow more in our faith, hope and love for You. Thank you for being with us always and may our gratitude be transformed into daily deeds which console and gladden your Divine Heart!
Fr. Rolly Arjonillo.