Never Any Doubt

Gospel: John 20: 24-29

John is the only Gospel writer to record this story of doubting Thomas, the reading for today's feast.  There is good reason for John having this story: he stands as the last eyewitness to the words and deeds of Jesus.  At John's passing, the entire Christian community will now be composed of those who did not witness the words and deeds of the Lord directly.  It is a monumental transition.  

So this early Christian community needs reassurance.  Previously, they had simply gone to these eyewitnesses for assurance.  The story of Thomas provides them with a sense of assurance: blessed indeed are those who have not seen and yet believe.  To be an eyewitness is indeed a privilege, but that same faith can be had even by those who did not see and hear directly the Lord Jesus while on earth.

It is for this reason that the Gospels were written.  By daily reading and meditation on the Gospels we too can participate in these scenes.  We too can see and hear the words and deeds of Jesus by putting ourselves in these stories, experiencing the Lord at work then and in our own life today.  Then, we too can say with Thomas, "My Lord and my God!"