“FIRST IMPRESSIONS”

2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER (C) April 27, 2025

(or SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY)

Acts 5: 12-16; Psalm 118; Rev 1:9-11a,12-13,17-19; John 20: 19-31

by Jude Siciliano, OP

Dear Preachers:

All I can say is, “Thank God for Thomas!” Poor Thomas, he gets the brunt of today’s gospel. Easter was just one week ago and today we have a story about one of Jesus’ closest disciples doubting the resurrection. We even have a common term for someone who will not accept a truth, we call them a “Doubting Thomas.” Some even call today, “Doubting Thomas Sunday.” Poor Thomas.

But do you understand Thomas’ situation? Can you identify with him because, like Thomas, we were not in the room when Jesus first appeared to his disciples who were locked in fear and disappointment. We are also a long way in time from today’s story, which took place a mere seven days after the resurrection.

Thomas does have the advantage over us, doesn’t he? At least, eventually, he did meet the risen Lord. But I’m so glad he initially doubted what the others were telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” There are enthusiastic Christians in our world all around us, good for them! Some seem to make faith easy. They seem to be able to float over the stuff of daily life: not just its joys and successes, but also its failures and disappointments. That is why I can say, “Thank God for Thomas.”

He speaks for me when life’s problems rise to my neck and I don’t see any way out ; when I am weighed down and need help and don’t feel the proximity of the Lord.

We just celebrated Holy Week services. That is a reminder that our faith does not rest on some long-ago teacher, who just speaks encouraging words from a long time ago. Rather, if Holy Week and Easter should have taught us anything, it is that the risen Jesus is in our daily lives, the events of each day, not long ago but now. Some days we may not feel that note of hope; but if doubt-burdened Thomas had reason to change his mind and profess, “My Lord and my God,” before his risen Lord, then by our faith we also can be prompted to do the same. Will we take that prompt?

When Jesus appeared among his frightened disciples John tells us he “stood in their midst; showed them his wounds and told them, ‘Peace be with you.”’ He said that not once but twice. Did it take more than a moment to overcome their incredulity? Some of us say similar things when we meet others, “Peace, sister/brother.” “So nice to meet you.” “God bless you.” These are meaningful expressions, they come from our heart. So do Jesus’ words today, “Peace be with you,” come from his heart for his disciples. But, when Jesus bids his disciples, “Peace be with you,” more is going on. These are words from the Word-of-God made flesh. They have the power to do what they say. Jesus is not just wishing his friend’s well being, his words are accomplishing what they say, peace in his doubting and troubled disciples – and peace for us as well!

This is a day for those who wish they were always firm in their faith, but are not. Don’t all of us have moments of doubt and uncertainty? We wish we were stronger and more committed to what we profess today in our Creed. But, we have to admit we are not and so we are a lot closer to Thomas than we first think.

Initially, Thomas does not expresses doubts to Christ, but to the community, the church. Despite his doubts in the church, the community members do not throw him out, but are patient with him – as we need to be with one another. We differ and argue about liturgical practices, political views, methods of education, etc. But we do not close the door on anyone, hoping they will experience with us the resurrected Christ in our midst.

Thomas is a key figure in John’s Gospel. The other Gospels name him as one of the Twelve. But Thomas is mentioned three times in John’s Gospel. He is also given a nickname – Didymus (11-16). It is an Aramaic name meaning, “twin.” Is John making a point suggesting Thomas has a twin – the reader? Are we the twins, who like Thomas, struggle with our faith in Jesus and want more concrete, “touchable” proof that Jesus is risen from the dead?

But let us not be too hard on Thomas, because when he “gets it” he really gets it, as he exclaims, “My Lord and my God.” That exclamation shows he recognizes Jesus. That may sound like a pious title. But at the time of this gospel Domition was the Emperor of Rome. The title for Christ that Thomas uses was what a Roman citizen would use in greeting the Emperor, “Dominus et deus.” “My Lord and god.” It was a term used exclusively for the Emperor. To address anyone else in that way was to be revolutionary.

We can identify with Thomas in our doubts; but Thomas moved on and he would wish we do also. The gospel today challenges us to search for answers or, to be patient during the in-between time, as we wait for resolution to our doubts and fears.

Having doubts in our faith is not a reason to walk out. No matter what other paths we choose, we will always have doubts. Instead, let’s hope, whether through prayer, other Christians, the poor, the Scriptures and preaching we meet the risen Lord and with Thomas can say, “My Lord and my God.” When this happens our worlds will be changed. So, when we acknowledge both our doubts and faith we may have to be prepared to have our lives changed, along with Doubting Thomas.

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042725.cfm