Reflections on the Sunday Readings for 4/19/09 by Dawn

You can find the full Scripture Readings for this Sunday at http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/041909.shtml

Thomas answered and said to [Jesus], "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 20:28-29

My grandfather's name was Thomas. He hated it whenever anyone used the phrase "doubting Thomas", even in jest. I've always felt bad for Thomas the Apostle. He got all the blame for not believing, sight-unseen, that Jesus had risen from the dead. I would guess that to some degree, almost all the disciples had some sort of doubt, they just didn't voice it as Thomas did.

At the time this Gospel was written, the word "belief" did not mean believing in a set of doctrines. In both Greek and Latin, to believe in something was to give your heart to it. I think that's a beautiful concept. Mentally, I can believe that the economy is in bad shape. That is radically different than the fact that I believe Jesus died for my sins. I can fully give my heart to the belief that Jesus died for me, I don't, however, have to give all my energy and devotion to our economic woes. Or maybe, I can look at it differently - maybe I can give my heart to standing in solidarity with those without a job, working to share their burden, walking along side of the people - doing what Jesus has asked of us... in my opinion that would be much more healthier.

I can understand how Thomas would be hesitant "believe", to give his heart to, without seeing. Just a few days earlier he had witnessed the crucifixion of the one person he thought could change the world. I don't think I could jump in with both feet without some proof. One of the things I love most about this passage is that Jesus didn't come into the room and say: "You lost your chance Thomas, because you didn't believe, you'll have to spend an eternity in Hell." No, instead Jesus invites him to come see, touch, and believe. For the rest of us Jesus gives a reassurance: Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

What is it that God is asking you to believe - to give your whole heart to?



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