Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But Thomas said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:24-25)
Whoops.
Shouldn’t have said that.
Poor Thomas. One slip of the tongue and he got branded for the past couple thousand of years as “Doubting Thomas!”
But, can you blame him?
After all, he knew that Jesus had been arrested, tried, and convicted. He knew that Jesus was nailed to the cross, suffered and died. He also knew that he and the other apostles were probably next on the list for the Romans.
He lived in terrible fear.
Yet, his friends were trying to tell him that Jesus was alive.
He couldn’t take it.
So he told them that he would not believe unless he could involve all of his senses. After all, sight might be fooled. But sight, coupled with touch? That should be enough.
The next time Jesus appeared, He challenged Thomas immediately to come and touch him, to explore His hands and His side so that Thomas would not remain in disbelief.
And Thomas proclaimed “My Lord and my God!”
There are many times that we act just like Thomas. Our lives become so confused, so full of fear, that we doubt the very presence of God. Yet, God is here. He always has been and will be with us until the day that He calls us to Himself. Then, we shall see Him eternally.
FAITH ACTION: In silent prayer this day, bring your fears to the Lord, your doubts, your confusion. Listen to Him invite you to touch His hands and His side. As you pray, whisper softly, “My Lord and my God!” for a few minutes. The constant repetition of that phrase will help you to feel His presence.