The first reading for this Sunday is very well known. It’s a description of the early Christian community. Here are the major points. They devoted themselves to the teachings of Jesus as presented by the Apostles. They lived a communal life, and some even sold their possessions donating the proceeds to support the greater community. Sill connected to its Jewish roots, they continued to go to the Temple every day for prayer. In addition, they met in each other’s homes to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist. Their way of life attracted many who joyfully joined them. I point this out because I want to connect it to the Gospel passage for today, another very well-known passage – the story of doubting Thomas.
Thomas’s story begins on the Sunday of the resurrection. A group of disciples have gone into hiding in a rented space in Jerusalem. They’re afraid that the Jewish authorities might be looking to arrest them. Suddenly, Jesus appears. They’re shocked and frightened but Jesus reassures them and wishes the Shalom, peace, perfect peace. He shows them the wounds of his crucifixion. This is no ghost. This is Jesus – for real. He even performs a ritual with them. He goes up to each of them, embraces them and breathes on them. In that breath he shares his Spirit with them and then commissions them. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”
This is powerful stuff! Jesus is telling them to take up his ministry! Later that day, one of the
disciples, Thomas, shows up. Of course, everybody is excited and relates all that Jesus did and said to them. Thomas interprets the moment as mass hysteria. He doesn’t want any part of this. “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.”
The following Sunday the group is once again assembled and Thomas is with them. Jesus appears just as he appeared the Sunday before and immediately invites Thomas to touch his wounds. Without any more hesitation Thomas makes a profession of faith. “My Lord and my God.”
John, the Gospel writer, leaves the scene and directly addresses you and me. “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
This account of the resurrection is a warning and an invitation. A warning? If you’re searching for the risen Lord, you won’t be able find him on your own. An invitation? Look for the Christian community, it is anointed by Christ who breathed his Spirit into it. They pray together, support one another and celebrate the Eucharist together.
You’re invited to hear his voice in the testimonies of the faithful and in the Scriptures we read. You’re invited to gain your strength by partaking of the bread of life. You’re invited to continue your faith journey with the community of faith – with the community that has not yet seen but has believed.
