Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

 

John 20:24-29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “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.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Opening Prayer: Lord, help me to place myself into this Gospel scene and learn from Thomas on his feast day.

Encountering Christ:

1. One of the Twelve: Doubting Thomas was “one of the Twelve,” as was Judas the betrayer, Peter who denied Christ, and the two brothers who coveted seats at the right and left of Jesus in his Kingdom. Jesus’ closest companions were very flawed humans. Praise God, because we, too, doubt, betray, deny, and covet at times. When we fall, if we turn to Jesus, we will realize that we can experience the same patient, gentle, reassuring Jesus that Thomas did.

    

2. Unbelief: Sons and daughters of God who encounter him regularly in their prayer, through the sacraments, and experientially in life can’t help but proclaim, “We have seen the Lord.” Hearts overflow with love expressed as evangelical enthusiasm. Yet, many people resist. Like Thomas, they say, “I will not believe.” There’s nothing sadder. True love requires, however, that we don’t ostracize unbelievers. On the contrary, we continue to love them and pray for them until Jesus himself draws from them their own proclamation, “My Lord and my God.”

    

3. Blind Faith: This story of Thomas’ doubt ended with some truly consoling words from Jesus, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Since none of us have seen what the Apostles saw, yet we believe, we are “blessed.” The blessing Jesus alludes to is faith. “Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by him. Before this faith can be exercised, man must have the grace of God to move and assist him; he must have the interior aid of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and converts it to God, who opens the eyes of the mind and makes it easy for all to accept and believe the truth” (CCC 153).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, thank you for the great gift of faith. I know that the theological virtue of faith is infused by you into my soul every time I ask for it. When I doubt you, as did Thomas, I know that I can expect to hear you encouraging me: “Peace be with you.”

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will make a sincere act of faith, hope, and charity.

For Further Reflection: There are many versions of Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Here is one:

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became Man, died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

Act of Charity

O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of over thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Matthew 9:1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Opening Prayer: Lord, today I feel like the paralytic, in need of your tender touch. Help me to open my heart and mind to your healing as I reflect on these lines of Scripture.

Encountering Christ: 

1. His Heart’s Desire: When friends brought the paralytic to Jesus, he cured the paralytic spiritually. That was apparently Jesus’ first priority, his heart’s desire. But Jesus also longs to be known by us, and he cured the paralytic physically to demonstrate his authority over sin, so that we may know what he values above all—a pure, unsoiled soul. Jesus wants us to trust in his power to forgive sin so that we will come to him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is ready to restore our souls and heal our hearts no matter how badly we’ve misbehaved.

    

2. Mind Reading: Jesus knew that his critics were thinking “evil thoughts.” And he knows our thoughts, too. As Psalm 139 reminds us, “Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all.” Even though Jesus knew their “evil thoughts,” he didn’t condemn them. Instead, he offered them proof of his authority in an effort to win them over. Nor does Jesus condemn us. He perpetually knocks at the door of our hearts, inviting us to welcome him in.

    

3. The Paralytic: The paralytic received from Jesus a complete cure—body and soul. He owed his new beginning to a few good friends who literally carried him to Jesus. Sometimes we’re the one needing a cure, but sometimes God is calling us to be that good friend to a soul in need. Prayer and the sacraments can help to put us into good spiritual shape so that we’re able to do the “heavy lifting” to bring souls placed in our path to Jesus.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, this story is hopeful and full of love—the love of friends for the paralytic; the love of Jesus for the paralytic; and Jesus’ love for the skeptical Pharisees, which he showed by demonstrating his authority over sin. You are pure love! Help me to remember that you love me infinitely as well.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will offer tangible help to someone, as prompted by the Holy Spirit.

For Further Reflection: Slowly read and meditate on all of Psalm 139.

Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of over thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.

Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Matthew 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

Opening Prayer: Lord, help me to put away my distractions and focus on this encounter with you today, trusting that you will give me all of the light and inspiration I need to hear and absorb your message for me.

Encountering Christ:

1. Subject to God: The devils who possessed two men hiding out in the tombs dared to approach Jesus with an unusual request. Wanting to avoid their inevitable torment they asked Jesus if they could be sent into the swine instead of being sent straight to Hell. Even though they were “savage” and probably terrifying to behold, Jesus, seemingly unperturbed, granted their request, “Go then!” With two simple words, Jesus showed us his power over the devil, saying “Go then!” as he showed his power over nature when he calmed the storm, saying “Be still!” and his power to restore Lazarus to life, saying, “Lazarus, come out!” The Son of God is almighty! Truly, “The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him” (Jn 3:35).

    

2. Everyone Came Out: On the testimony of the swineherds, the whole town came out to meet Jesus, but instead of welcoming him they asked him to leave their district. In another Gospel scene, the whole town of Samaria came to believe in Jesus because of the testimony of the women at the well. Personal testimony can be very persuasive. While the woman at the well evangelized her town, the swineherds apparently dissuaded their townsfolk from believing in Jesus. When we encounter Jesus in our prayer, the sacraments, or life circumstances, what kind of testimony do we give?

    

3. Seeing Versus Believing: When the Gerasenes saw Jesus, they asked him to leave. It seemed as if they were more afraid of Jesus than of the demoniacs. We know that not everyone who met Jesus during his life followed him. Nor does everyone who encounters Christ today follow him. Let us never take for granted our desire to follow Jesus! The desire we have in our hearts is itself a gift of God. “For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work” (Phil 2:13).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, this Gospel passage reminds me that the battle between good and evil rages even today. Although I don’t encounter people who are possessed, I know that I am strongly tempted sometimes to reject you. Please send your Holy Spirit to rekindle my fervor for you so that I can resist the pull of evil and bring glory to your name.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will spend a couple of minutes reflecting with gratitude on my spiritual blessings, including the desire I have to follow you.

For Further Reflection: Read Psalm 16, especially these verses:

I bless the Lord who counsels me;

    even at night my heart exhorts me.

I keep the Lord always before me;

    with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices;

    my body also dwells secure,

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

    nor let your devout one see the pit.

You will show me the path to life,

    abounding joy in your presence,

    the delights at your right hand forever.

Maribeth Harper celebrated paying the last tuition bill for her kids’ college by writing a book for parents who have college-aged young adults: A Spiritual Toolbox: Tips for Parenting through the First Year of College. She is a wife of over thirty-five years, mother of four, and grandmother of twelve and counting.