What Question Does He Present to You?
A Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Have you ever found yourself in the presence of the Christ? Would you recognize the one who sacrificed his life so that you may have strength to persevere through any trial? Does his radical love fill you with astonishment? For the sake of your faith taking greater root in your heart and bearing greater fruit in your life, what questions does he present to you?
The brutal murder of Jesus frustrated Thomas seemingly to no end. Absent from the first-time reunion with the Risen Lord, he likely had mixed feelings about the situation. Who wouldn’t? Before seeing Jesus miraculously alive, his brothers and sisters in Christ likely shared his disappointment, one marked by grief and fear for their own safety.
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Thomas and by association his fellow apostles are posed an important question, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?” (John 20:29). The answer to this question seems somewhat obvious. Yes, Lord Jesus, your presence among us has recovered our faith.
An extraordinary moment without a doubt, these men are presented with convincing evidence of the Resurrection. The faith of those disciples gained the hope and zeal necessary to preach, teach, and accompany with first-hand assurance found in seeing the Risen Lord face to face and observing the wounds of his crucifixion.
Jesus present in the Eucharist, draw us into the offering of your life for the salvation of the world. Such is the mystery at the heart of the Gospel. May our gratitude for Divine Mercy encourage us to spread your truly good news with our neighbors and friends.
Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good, and his love is eternal… Let all who worship him say, ‘His love is eternal’ (Ps.118:1-4; GNT).
Painting by Nicolai Wilhelm Marstrand, "The Unbelief of Thomas" (c.1870, Denmark)