DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

Believe That You May Understand

As we read our gospel today about St. Thomas, we may wonder how Thomas could have ever doubted that Our Lord and Savior had appeared in the flesh to the apostles after his resurrection. We might be sure that we would have been among the apostles who believed. But would we? Are there times when we might also be tempted to doubt Christ’s presence in our lives?  

Thomas’s unbelief can help those who sometimes struggle, and we can take comfort in knowing that even an apostle had this tremendous fault. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we can see how patient and gentle Jesus was with Thomas. When we are tempted to despair at our own faults and failings, we can look to St. Thomas. Thomas’s doubting was used by God for God’s greater glory. We can bring our failings to God, who can use even our faults for his greater glory in his plan of salvation. Remember that Thomas, filled with faith, proceeded on from that day and “many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles,” as “more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them” (Acts 5:12,14). Thomas can also be seen as a gift to those who may sometimes struggle with belief in the true presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. 

Even though we are a people today who haven’t actually touched Jesus’ wounds, God gives us many signs and wonders that unmistakably have his fingerprint on them. We need only to open our eyes to see and our ears to listen. God is compassionate and respectful to us, never forcing himself, but whispering gently in our ears. And, in words that are comforting for us to hear, he said to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29).

One of my favorite saints is St. Augustine. He is known for his inquiring mind, and he didn’t see faith as an end to questions. Instead, he saw faith as a great incentive to search all the more intensely for God himself. In one of my favorite quotes (I have it taped on my kitchen cabinet), he wrote, “Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.” 

In this second week of Easter, we are still living in the thrill of our Lord Jesus Christ has risen. We sing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” with much joy and enthusiasm.  Let us be a people of great faith who believe in order that we may understand, and who proclaim the Easter message to others. Jesus Christ is risen today – Alleluia!

–Nancy Hursh

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.