Feast Day of reluctant believer

St. Thomas, the Apostle, is known for his doubts about our Lord’s Resurrection.  Most of us know the term “doubting Thomas”.  But it is easy to understand that Thomas, after the horrific events of Jesus' Passion and Crucifixion, would find it difficult to believe, that after all of that,  Jesus would be alive! 

For me, Thomas is remembered for something more significant.  Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared to the other Apostles for the first time.  When told about the appearance, he proclaimed to the others that he just could not believe.   Jesus was so kind and patient with him that as He made a second appearance in the Upper Room, He gave the Apostle an opportunity to place his finger, his hands into our Lord’s  wounded hands and side.  When Thomas did so, he was overwhelmed and, falling to his knees, cried out “My Lord, and My God.”

I am sure the whole Church knows this prayer – a prayer of deep faith and belief.  As Christians, we are called to worship and adore God.  We don’t know a whole lot about worship and adoration.  How do we do it?  What should we say?  What is our posture before the Lord?  At morning Mass there is a 90-year-old widow who sits behind us and when the priest elevates the Host at the Consecration, I can hear her whisper with great devotion, “My Lord and My God.” 

At Mass, as we look at Jesus in the tabernacle, in the Host, on the Crucifix, we too can whisper this exclamation.  St. Thomas has taught us what to say:  “My Lord and My God.”