Divine Mercy Sunday
Acts 2:42-47
1 Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31

Except for the heroes, few lives are defined by a single event. Yet, St. Thomas will always be known as “Doubting Thomas.” Were it not for the story in the Gospel today, Thomas would have been remembered as a man of great courage and loyalty rather than as “Doubting Thomas.” When the other disciples, fearful that Jesus would be in danger, tried to keep Jesus from going to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, it was Thomas who said to them, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16).

During the last weeks, the deaths of two people much loved and very active in the Catholic community were overlaid by two thousand years of faith in the resurrection. Many others no less loved left an empty place in the lives of those dear to them.
Believers know about the resurrection and our faith was enhanced by the celebration of the Triduum. Yet, we also know that our role at times of loss and sadness is similar to that of the first grieving community—to try to fill the empty space left in one another’s lives.

The apostles who gathered in the upper room were devastated and they banded together not only out of fear but out of the need to be there for one another.
Perhaps Thomas’ failure was not his lack of faith in Jesus but lack of faith in his fellow believers. Maybe Thomas had become disenchanted with the small group that gathered in the Upper Room. I have often wondered why he was not with them when Jesus came. Had there been a difference of opinion? Is it possible that Judas’ defection had scandalized Thomas so much that he had to reconsider his own priorities and faith? Whatever the reason, the Gospel portrays the pain of a person much like the disenfranchised of our own age—a man separated from the believing community.

Reconciliation has always been associated with the Easter season and the Gospel recounts Jesus’ giving the power to forgive to his apostles. The two events are not unrelated.

Today’s celebration is an invitation to all who have separated themselves from the Church. But, they are not with us to hear the Gospel today.

Throughout the world there are many like Thomas. They are those who are looking for evidence and wanting to believe, wanting to be reconciled. While they might seem to be looking for “proof” they whisper the prayer of the apostle in their hearts.

As we gather at the altar, we pray for all those who seek the Lord. As a community, we are challenged to reach out to them with our own faith, to invite them to return to the believing community.