Thomas is remembered mainly because of his doubts about the resurrection of Christ. He did not want to admit anything that went beyond his experience and reason. Eight days later he made up for that unbelief with a profession of faith, “My Lord and my God” (Jn 14:5-6). According to tradition, he preached the Gospel and suffered martyrdom in India. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1571)
His absence, disbelief and faith
During the final discourse of the Last Supper, Thomas asked the Master a question which elicited one of the Lord’s great definitions of himself: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus answered: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn 14:5-6), words on which we have so often meditated.
On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to his disciples without having to open the doors; his body had already been glorifed. Jesus showed them his hands and his side to prove he was not a spirit. The disciples were fully convinced that Jesus stood before them and that he had truly risen.
Thomas, however, is not present; the only one absent. Why? Coincidental? Perhaps, St John the Evangelist, who records the scene in great detail, kept silent out of deference for one who, after seeing Christ on the cross, not only suffered like the others, but may have left, truly discouraged. (cf O Hophan, “The Apostles”, Madrid 1982)
We know Jesus told the apostles “... go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Mt 28:10). Why did they stay eight more days in Jerusalem? Perhaps they did not want to go without Thomas for whom they began to search at once.
When at last they found Thomas, they exclaimed to him with irrepressible joy: “We have seen the Lord!” (Mt 28:10) They repeated it to him over and over. They try everything to win Thomas back for Christ. Surely the Lord, the Good Shepherd who always seeks out each one of us, must have approved of this delay. Thomas must have thanked them for all their efforts and for not having left him behind, stubborn as he was!
It is a lesson that can help us examine the quality of our fraternity and fortitude in dealing with our brother Christians who, like us, may be capable of being discouraged and lonely. We cannot abandon them.
The discouragement and disbelief of Thomas were not easy to overcome. At the insistence of the other apostles, he responds: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the holes they made, and my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:25) These words seem like a final answer; a harsh reply to the concern of his friends. Undoubtedly, their joy opened the door to hope for him.
“Eight days later his disciples were again in the house; Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’, he said.” To Thomas: “Put your finger here and see my hands. Put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not doubt, but believe!” (Jn 20:26-7)
How inspiring to know that the Lord will never leave us provided we do not leave him first; he has prayed for us, too. (cf Jn 17:20) Those whom God has placed beside us will not fail to help us either. If at some point we find ourselves in the dark, despite the state of our soul, we will be able to lean on their faith and example; and on their charity.
When Thomas encountered the risen Jesus, he opened up his heart: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) he exclaimed, moved to the very depths of his being. At one and the same time his reaction is an act of faith, of surrender, and of love. He openly confesses that Jesus is God and recognizes him as his Lord.
Jesus replies: “You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (Jn 20:29) “... we should make the words of St Peter in his first Letter our own: ‘You have not seen him, yet love him; now believing in him without seeing him you feel an indescribable joy’ (1Pet 1:8).
This is genuine faith -- absolute dedication to things unseen, yet capable of ennobling and crowning an entire life.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 9 April 1983)
The Blessed Virgin, who was so close to the apostles during those days, attentively followed the evolution of Thomas’ faith. Perhaps she was the one who stopped him from deserting. Today we confide our fidelity and that of the ones God has placed under our care to Our Lady. ‘Virgin most faithful, pray for us.’
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 7:1-6
Our Lady will not leave us for an instant
Worry, fear and cowardice arise when our prayer weakens. Jesus Christ knows everything happening to us. St Augustine reminds us: ‘Wake him and he will rebuke the storm and peace will be restored.’ (“Sermon 361”, 7) Everything is for our good and the good of souls. It is enough to be in his company to feel that we are safe.
St Bernard says: “If the winds of temptation arise, fix your eyes on the star, call upon Mary ... With her for a guide you will not go astray; while invoking her, you will never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception. If she holds your hand, you cannot fail; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you will not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you will reach the goal.” (“Homilies on the Blessed Virgin Mary”, 2)
Ref: cf F Fernandez, Op cit, 3:639
Interior discipline -- “Our character depends in great part upon the practice of interior discipline, which leads to control of thought. Is not nervous irritation the after-effect of a storm of bitter thoughts, and never overcome? And does not habitual kindness, understanding, the habit of building on past failures for new, the constant effort to overcome evil by doing good proceed from the habit of dominating one’s thoughts?” (Rev James Alberione, SSP, STD, “Personality and Configuration with Christ”, p99. In “The Vatican II Weekday Missal”, 1975, p1152)
Our Lady of la Carolle (‘Notre Dame de la Carolle’), at Paris. It is said that this image, which was placed at the corner of the Rou aux Ours, was stabbed with a knife in the year 1418, and that it bled profusely. In memory of this [event], fireworks are set off every year in which a waxen figure is burnt, which represents the sacrilegious wretch who gave the blow. — Du Breuil, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
‘Notre Dame de la Carolle’ / Our Lady of ‘la Carolle’. Paris. 1418.(www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
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