Apr62018
Second Sunday of Easter
Caravaggio is one of my favorite artists. He often paints scenes from the Gospels. One of his paintings is of St. Thomas and it captures most beautifully the scene that is described in the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter. St. Thomas, who is not present when the Risen Lord appears to the disciples for the first time, refuses to believe and states, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in his side, I will not believe.” When our Lord appears a second time and Thomas sees Him he states, “My Lord and my God.” He simply encourages him not to doubt but to believe. Jesus offers us great hope when He states to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.” We have not encountered the Risen Lord like the Apostles; however, we do meet Him each time we celebrate the Eucharist. We may not be able to touch His wounds like Thomas, but we do have the great privilege of receiving His body and blood in Holy Communion. In our human weakness let us not doubt His Eucharistic presence. At every Mass, when the Host and Chalice are raised at the elevation, let us make St. Thomas’ act of faith our own: “My Lord and My God.” I truly believe that you are present, body, blood, soul and divinity under the appearances of bread and wine " the Risen Christ, the Saviour of the world! “Do not doubt, but believe.”
Category: Faith Matters
Posted by: Margaret