On this Divine Mercy Sunday, the Holy Scriptures present us with many images…
The Psalmist (Ps 132: 22-24) proclaims that:
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.
And while building upon this proclamation, the Second reading (1 John 5: 1-6) provides us with further insight into this “rejected” stone:
This is the One who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood.
The First reading, however, offers us the most interesting contrast with the Gospel. For in Acts of the Apostles (4:32), we are provided with a glimpse of a Christian community that is basking in the light of the Resurrection. And the author reminds us that…
The community of believers was of one heart and mind.
Despite this reality, we are nevertheless presented with a profound skepticism within this familiar Gospel passage from St. John (20:19-31). For contained within it, a conversation ensues between the disciples who have seen Jesus and Thomas, who has not. Boldly, Thomas expresses his unbelief to the others:
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.
One week later, Thomas is granted his wish.
With the disciples behind locked doors, Jesus appears to them. “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.”
For each of us, how often has the “Thomas” experience rung true? By our actions or inactions, how many times have we informed the Lord that “if only you do this one thing for me, then I will truly believe?”
This week, as we continue to be surrounded by His Easter love, those are questions worthy of deep pondering within our own heart.
