Reflection for the Second Sunday of Easter…April 7, 2024

by Barbara Hickey, Notre Dame Associate

 Gospel:  John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, Jesus came and stood in the midst of the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.  The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”   And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

A week later the disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them.  Jesus came and said “Peace be with you.”  We all know that Thomas had to see Jesus for himself and to take Jesus up on his invitation to touch his wounds.  Only after he did as Jesus requested did he believe him.  Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus then asked Thomas “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Thomas is described as the “doubting” disciple!  He did not signify spiritual understanding or else he would have comprehended Jesus’ teaching and would not have had to receive explanations that he was always demanding.

Do we demand that Jesus explain everything to us or do we trust our faith?