3 July 2018 - wounds of love

Today's Readings (Audio)

Jesus wants us to believe in him. It makes him sad to see us unbelieving because he went to the cross to show us how much he loves us. He rose again to show us he is worthy of our faith. This is why Jesus's revelation to Thomas began with his wounds. It is because by them he shows us his love.

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."

Thomas felt unloved when the other disciples claimed to see the risen LORD but he was left out. It was this display of love from Jesus that finally connected with Thomas. Somehow, the privation from the previous appearance caused in Thomas a deeper desire for Jesus. Because of that, when that desire was finally fulfilled, Thomas made a statement of faith like no other.

Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

It is likely that Thomas felt alienated and lonely when he was left out of the earlier resurrection appearance. Jesus more than makes up for this. After Thomas has contact with the body of Christ, his union with the mystical body is greater than ever before. They now share together in the truth of the resurrection. The faith of the others is in fact strengthened by the doubts of Thomas as they see those doubts answered.

You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God, 
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

No matter how we come to him, God can use it as part of his plan. If we doubt first and believe later he can use that. If we need to see to believe he can use that to help others who can believe on the basis of our testimony. The point is not to find the right way to faith. The point is to allow God to teach us to desire him and then to allow him to fulfill that desire as he chooses.

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.