READ
JN 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
UNDERSTAND
by Father Greg Friedman, OFM
“I’ll need to see some proof”—how often have you used that expression? Most of us are quick to call for proof for anything out of the ordinary. We don’t want to be “taken in” by extravagant claims or scams.
So today’s Gospel, the story of “Doubting Thomas,” has a modern appeal. It sounds natural to us for Thomas to want to have his doubts answered with real proof. But Jesus praises those who believe without any physical proof. He calls such believers “blessed.”
This Easter story is specifically directed at us, those who would come to believe in Jesus down through the ages. We welcome the testimony of those who went before us: those who walked with Jesus after his resurrection and went on to witness to him throughout the world. We are part of a community of faith, a living legacy passed on from generation to generation and often given at great cost, with personal sacrifice.
When we hear this Gospel proclaimed in a community of believers this Easter, we can take heart in the Lord’s words. And where my faith wavers, I can gain strength from the Holy Spirit at work in the midst of the community of faith.
DISCUSS
by Father Dan Kroger, OFM
- This reading says that “Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles.” What was the result?
One such sign is that people brought their sick to the apostles. Why did they do that?
- In this week’s second reading, why did John the apostle end up on the island called Patmos?
John claimed to hear the voice of the spirit telling him to write down what he heard. When he turned around to see who was speaking to him what did he see?
- According to the Gospel, what happened on the evening of the first day of the week?
What did Jesus tell the disciples?
What did Jesus show the disciples? What did Jesus tell them?
What happened when Jesus came again, when Thomas was with them?
ACT
by Susan Hines-Brigger
- Sometimes, we can all be looking at the same thing, but still see it differently. Go outside with your friends or family and have everyone write a list of 10 things that they see. Compare lists and see how many you all have that are the same and how many are different.
- Each Sunday in Mass we recite the Apostle’s Creed, which states the things we believe in as Catholics. Write down a list of some other things in life that you believe in.
