Every year, the Sunday after Easter brings the same reading from John’s gospel. Jesus appears to his followers on Easter evening, the same day that the women report that the tomb is empty. They are locked together in a house, afraid for their lives (a reasonable response given that just a few days earlier their leader was executed by the Roman authorities at the urging of their own religious leaders). Jesus appears, greeting them, “Peace be with you,” then sends them to share the good news of God. He breathes the Holy Spirit on them and reminds them that forgiving people matters.
For unknown reasons, Thomas misses this visit. When he returns, the others try and convince him that they saw Jesus, and Thomas insists he needs to see for himself. A week later, Jesus shows up again. He takes care to show Thomas the physical signs of his death Thomas said he needed to see. Thomas responds, “My Lord and my God!” which is the clearest, boldest, and most emphatic statement of faith in all of John’s gospel. Jesus does not criticize Thomas. Rather, he shows his wounds and offers words of encouragement for those of us who have “not seen, yet have come to believe.”
This powerful story touches me every time. The fear of the followers is poignant. They are locked away, waiting for who knows what. Jesus offers them his peace and the Holy Spirit for their role sharing the good news and offering forgiveness. The encounter between Thomas and Jesus makes it clear that God is not troubled by our questions. Jesus verifies what the other followers have been saying with the very evidence Thomas asks for. All of us who follow Jesus are sent into the world to share the good news of God: to love without conditions, to forgive even when it isn’t deserved, to share compassion and kindness whenever we can, to strive for justice and peace in our lives and in the world.
Peace to you!