Daily Gospel Reflection for July 3, 2015

Today's Gospel: John 20:24-29

Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

The apostle, Thomas, whom we know as “doubting Thomas,” was not present when Jesus appeared to the other apostles while they were hiding in fear of the Jews after His Resurrection. The others tried to convince Thomas that Jesus was indeed risen, but he didn’t believe. He wanted clear, tangible, physical proof that Jesus was alive.

Eight days later, the apostles, including Thomas, were together again when Jesus appeared to them a second time. What follows is the moving account of Jesus inviting Thomas to touch His hands and put his finger in His side.

Do you see yourself in Thomas? I think most of us do. In His infinite mercy and wisdom, Jesus used Thomas as an example for those of us who need help to increase our faith. Thomas was given the gift that most of us crave: to be able to touch our Lord.

In our day, Jesus is still physically with us because His Real Presence is in the Holy Eucharist. He gives Himself to us as spiritual food. While we are unworthy to touch Him, out of unfathomable love for us, He allows us to consume Him.

Ponder:

Do I give myself completely to Jesus so that He can increase my faith and use me to evangelize and increase the faith of others who also doubt?

Pray:

My Lord and my God!

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Terry McDermott