John 20: 24-29
Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
My Lord and My God
Today’s Gospel passage focuses on the journey from doubt to faith through a personal encounter with Christ. Thomas struggled to believe the testimony of others and desired tangible proof of the resurrection. Rather than rejecting him, Jesus met Thomas where he was and invited him to touch his wounds.
In the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius encourages individuals to use their imagination to place themselves within Gospel scenes. By entering the story of Thomas, I can imagine standing beside him, seeing the risen Jesus, and hearing his words, “Do not doubt, but believe.” This prayerful experience reveals that faith is not blind acceptance, but a relationship built through encounter and trust.
Thomas's transformation from doubt to belief challenges me to bring my own questions honestly to God. Like Thomas, I am invited to move beyond uncertainty and respond with faith: “My Lord and my God.”
—Tom Drexler is a graduate of Marquette University High School and Creighton University. At present he works in the advancement office of the Midwest Jesuits.
Prayer
Gracious God, I pray that I may be able to profess “my Lord and my God” and to live out my life according to that profession of faith.
—Tom Drexler