2nd Sunday of Easter (Year A)

Man is a visual animal. Our vision gives us a survival advantage and man evolves to the highest rung in the Evolution ladder. We rely heavily on our sight rather than on our hearing. Unfortunately, faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:17), not sight. Take a very simple example. If you see a dog, you know that there is a dog. You don't have to believe that there is a dog. Now, close your eyes and imagine you are blind. If you hear barking, you have to exercise your faith to believe that there is a dog. Why? It is because the barking may come from a real dog or some recordings. You need faith to accept the existence of a dog and not a tape recorder. Of course, smell and touch may help reinforce this faith.

In the gospel of John today, we read of the well-known story of Thomas who did not believe in the testimony of the 10 apostles.
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25) What an empiricist! By the time Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to put his finger into the wounds on his hand, Thomas' doubt had all but vapourized. It is a reality and you don't have to believe in it anymore.
Thomas was modern, in the sense that he defined the criteria God must meet in order to prove His existence. Yes, God must comply to our terms in order to acquire our approval. He must vibrate within the wavelengths of 380-750 nm. Otherwise, we don't see Him and accept His existence. He must speak with frequencies of 400-3500 Hz. Otherwise, we don't hear Him and listen to His Word. He must appear at 31°46′N and 35°14′E. Otherwise, the apostles would not be able to meet Him and touch Him etc. Welcome aboard, Thomas. But would you accept such demands from a lower creature, say your dog? Your master would. But Jesus taught him and us an important lesson.
Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29)
When Jesus appeared to the 10 apostles, he was willing to reveal his hands and his side (John 20:20). Eight days later, he did the same to Thomas. He loved his apostles. These showings were consolations rather than proofs. They were hiding from the hostile forces that once crucified their master. They might be seeking after their lives very soon. Nowadays, though we do not risk our lives believing in Jesus who still loves us, we don't have the luxury to see and touch him. Yet, we are more blessed because we have not seen Jesus and yet we believe in him.

My sweet Jesus, let us not be arrogant. Let us see our status clearly, that we are but humble insignificant creatures. Our relationship should not be dictated in our own terms, but yours. We believe in You though we have not seen You. We believe because we hear the testimony of generations of faithful Christians. We hope that You will grant us the grace to meet You face to face later. Amen.