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 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.
— John 20:24-29
The peace of the Lord be with you. On this feast of Saint Thomas, the Gospel reading reminds us how how much God longs for us to believe. Jesus could have very easily gotten offended or rebuked Thomas for his doubt, but instead, he accepts his doubts and encourages him to face them so his doubt can be transformed into belief.
In my own journey with Jesus, I too become filled with doubt at times as find myself falling prey to my own weaknesses time and time again. At these moments Jesus reminds me there no sin of mine that is greater than his love for me. The same is true for you as well. These moments of weakness, though painful, remind me how much I need Him, how much I need a savior.
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us Saint Thomas to remind us never to loose hope and to accept your grace as the light that leads us home. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.