Our Gospel reading this week, from John

20:19-31, beautifully illustrates the power of the

resurrection and the gift of faith. It takes us

from a place of fear and doubt to one of

profound peace and faith. Let us reflect on this

powerful encounter with the risen Lord.

“Peace be with you.” Imagine the scene: the

disciples huddled together, doors locked, hearts

heavy with grief and fear after the crucifixion.

Suddenly, Jesus appears in their midst and

offers them a simple yet profound greeting:

"Peace be with you." These words, spoken by

the resurrected Christ, were not merely a polite salutation. They were a powerful declaration of his

victory over death, a soothing balm for their troubled souls. This peace wasn't the absence of earthly

turmoil, but a deep, inner tranquility that only the presence of the Lord could bring.

The lesson here is clear: even in our darkest moments, when fear and uncertainty grip us, Jesus offers

us his peace. It is a peace that transcends our circumstances, a peace that comes from knowing that he has

conquered all. Just as he appeared to his disciples in their locked room, he can enter the locked chambers

of our hearts, bringing solace and reassurance. We are invited to open ourselves to this gift of divine

peace, trusting in his presence even when we cannot see him.

“I will not believe.” The encounter takes a different turn with the absence and subsequent doubt of

Thomas. When the other disciples joyfully proclaim, "We have seen the Lord," Thomas resolutely

declares, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put

my hand into his side, I will not believe." Thomas’ skepticism, though sometimes viewed harshly, is a

very human response. He longed for tangible proof, a physical encounter to solidify the unbelievable

reality of the resurrection.

Thomas’ doubt highlights the human struggle with faith. We, too, may find ourselves questioning,

wanting concrete evidence before fully surrendering to belief. However, Thomas’ story doesn’t end in

doubt. A week later, Jesus appears again, this time with Thomas present. He gently invites Thomas to

touch his wounds, meeting him where he was in his disbelief. This act of compassion and understanding

reminds us that Jesus meets us in our doubts, patiently guiding us towards faith.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” After Thomas’ powerful declaration of

faith, "My Lord and my God!", Jesus offers a profound blessing that resonates deeply with us today:

"Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have

believed." This statement is a beautiful encouragement to those of us who have not had the direct,

physical encounters of the first disciples. When it comes to faith in Jesus, we transit from “seeing is

believing” to “believing without seeing.”

We are called to a faith that trusts in the witness of Scripture, the tradition of the Church, and the inner

prompting of the Holy Spirit. This blessing reminds us that faith is not solely reliant on empirical

evidence but is a gift, a grace that allows us to believe in what we cannot see. It is in this unseen belief

that we find true blessedness, a deep connection with the risen Lord that transforms our lives and fills us

with hope.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death

and offers us his peace. We pray for the grace to open our hearts to this peace, especially in times of fear

and uncertainty. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that even without seeing, we may believe in your love and

power. Help us to move from doubt to unwavering trust, following the example of Thomas’ ultimate

confession of faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.