A part of the gospel reading in Mass yesterday is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. The story in John 20 of the conversation between Jesus and Thomas after Jesus’ resurrection has always intrigued and satisfied me in a way few other passages have. The disciples have told Thomas that they have seen the resurrected Jesus and Thomas responds in the way that most of us would, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” After all the disciples, who weren’t your most trustworthy bunch of folks expected Thomas to take their word that they had seen a living, resurrected Jesus. These were the same folks who, except for John, had deserted Jesus during the whole crucifixion saga, had hid out for fear of reprisal, and one, Peter, had publicly denied him prior to his death. These were not your most trustworthy witnesses, and no one can blame Thomas for not buying it. Later, when Jesus appeared to them again, he did not chide Thomas for his unbelief, but rather he offered Thomas the proof Thomas asked. Thomas touched his hands and put his hand in the wound in Jesus’s side. Then Thomas made the first post-resurrection testimony to the deity of Jesus by saying to him, “My Lord and My God.” The truth had been revealed to Thomas and he, like the church to follow, recognized just who Jesus was. His doubt was rewarded-not discouraged. Thomas was answered, not chastised.
