2nd Sunday Easter – What does Divine Mercy Look Like? [3]

What I found interesting and exciting this year is how the story of [doubting] Thomas parallels the passage we looked at yesterday. Never saw that. There are a few differences, but this one explicates the first one, goes deeper into it.

Thomas did not doubt. OK? He simply stated the fact: “Unless I see the mark…”

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

Thomas speaks for us as well. Unless we contemplate the nails in his hands… we will not believe. That is, unless we contemplate our part in those marks, not as a way to increase our drama of self-loathing nor to get stuck in self-hate. For we get to see them caught up in Jesus the Christ, risen and in glory!

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’  Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’  Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Thomas’ exploration of Jesus’ wounds led him to his confession of faith, “My Lord and my God!” It wasn’t about him alone. It wasn’t only about Jesus. It was about their relationship which endured through Jesus’ Passion and Thomas’ rejection. His propensity to make others pay the price for his inner wounds.

Rejoice! The Lord is Risen indeed!