Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy) – Life through Wounds & Doubts

“Peace be with you … Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” – Jn 20:26-27

The story of doubting Thomas is my story. Like him, I don't always trust the testimony of others. Like him, I need to experience things in order for them to become real for me. Perhaps the rest of the disciples were not convincing: after Jesus breathed peace on them (twice) and gave them the power of his forgiving Mercy, they were still locked in fear. A week later with Thomas present, Jesus again entered their locked hearts, offering “shalom.”

Wounds and doubts are intricately related. For many of us, we doubt God’s presence or divine goodness more when we are most wounded by life. Our trust is eroded when we cannot accept or understand suffering, others’ or ours.

Jesus did not offer Thomas an explanation. He offered him an experience – an invitation to touch his very wound and hollowed flesh. In doing so, Jesus invites Thomas to come to face with his very own wounds, to a healing process that enables him to proclaim with clarity and trust, “My Lord and my God.”

We are called to touch the wounds of Christ in others around us. In doing so, we allow grace to heal our hearts and minds, transforming whatever that threaten life and erode trust within us. For me, this Easter Season involves an invitation to let the Risen One draws me with his tender, merciful gaze and leads me with his peace as I engage my doubts and touch the wounds of others. New life flows out of this experience.

The story of Thomas is our story. By touching wounds and doubts (ours and those of others), we come to greater peace and deeper faith. We come to have and to share life in Jesus’ name!

Lord Jesus, breathe peace into our wounds and doubts so that we may be your healing, merciful love.