Gospel
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
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 answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Faith in Stubbornness
Regarding the question of why Thomas was not with the other apostles that day, scholars suggest that his despair after Jesus’ death likely drove him away. The apostles had stayed in Jerusalem for eight days instead of going to Galilee as Jesus had instructed, unwilling to leave without him, and they were searching for him. Eventually, they found him and shared the good news that Jesus had appeared among them. This news brought him back, but his stubbornness prevented him from believing until the Lord reappeared and invited him to touch His wounds. It was then that Thomas made his confession of faith. However, it is beautiful how the community of apostles did not leave without Thomas and supported him with their faith despite his stubbornness.
Applied to Married Life:
Martha: It is very hard to see that our son has stopped going to Mass and, of course, has lost his faith.
Andy: Yes, it is very hard. We have a mission, and it is to pray for him and offer ourselves for him so that he returns to the arms of Our Lady Mary.
Andy: Amen. Even if we don’t see it, Christ is always capable of anything.
Mother,
Today we ask you for those children and loved ones who have strayed from the faith and the ecclesial community. We place them in your hands, Mother. You already know what to do. Thank you because you never disappoint.