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Master·evangeli.net

Today's Gospel + short theological explanation

Second Sunday of Easter
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Gospel text (Jn 20:19-31): … Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to 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 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 faith

Fr. Antoni CAROL i Hostench (Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain)

Today, we relive the first appearances before the Apostles of Jesus Christ resurrected. After having been so frightened, now they find it hard to believe that Jesus is alive. He is in front of them and… Thomas apostle, who was not there the first time, is even more radical: and he will not believe unless he sees and “touches” Jesus.

Christ will admonish him for not having believed his companions. There are persons who only accept as factual what they can touch. But almost whatever we learn is because we have been told so, normally without any additional evidence. "Faith" is to believe what we are told, because we confide in who is talking to us and because his message is reasonable. To distrust the word of others (including God) is inhuman. Without trust the world does not work.

—Thank you, my God, for the gift of faith. It is my greatest treasure because thus, I can treat you as a son treats his Father. I am happy knowing you so familiarly.