By Arun D –
Readings: Act 10: 24- 35; 1 Pet 1: 3-9; Jn 20: 24- 29
The feast of St Thomas the Apostle reminds us of the tender mercy of Jesus who relented to the rebellious attitude of Thomas to see and believe. He made one remark and has been branded ‘Doubting Thomas’. Yet, we can see Thomas was genuine in his approach and was courageous enough to express himself. On his way to Jerusalem with Jesus, he speaks aloud, “Let us also go to die with him” (Jn: 11:16b). True to his word, Thomas was willing to proclaim the gospel and lay down his life for Christ whom he confessed as “my Lord and my God”.
The word of Jesus in the gospel, ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed’ is not easy to follow especially as we live today amidst fear and chaos. The covid-19 scenario has put our own faith into question. It is not easy for us to see the invisible God who accompanies his children during this pandemic. We see people who lost their beloved ones to covid, those still suffering at hospitals and at home, financial crisis and job loss, poor who are at the streets and roadside and we see such pain cannot be easily ignored.
Like St Thomas, we find ourselves ‘doubting’ the presence of a loving and caring God. We find it difficult to believe that a new age is dawning, and the Risen Christ is standing at our side. Today, on this feast day, we are challenged to see the hands of God at work even when situation is not favorable. The loving Lord stands at our side strengthening us with his words, ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’ May the proclamation of St Thomas, “My Lord and My God” be the prayer on our lips too when we face sufferings and pain.