1Reflection for Tuesday July 3, Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle: John 20:24-29

Gospel: 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."

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Reflection:

What moves us to be present at Holy Mass? It’s our deep faith in Jesus, we allocate time and we prepare ourselves for this union with Jesus. But there are times that we get disappointed with the homily of the priest. So instead of going back to Mass some of us would purposely miss it and we will just be content on watching tv Mass.

But is this correct? No it’s not! Whenever we purposely fail to voluntarily submit ourselves to the celebration of the Holy Mass. We also deny ourselves deeper intimacy with Jesus and as a result of this we miss the opportunity to further deepen our faith in Him.

Thomas was nowhere to be found when Jesus made himself visible for the first time to His apostles. Where was he around that time? Perhaps he was just around the vicinity pondering about his faith and the role of Jesus in his life.  Perhaps he was also questioning his discipleship in Jesus. However, amidst the questioning and doubt he finally went to see Jesus.    

What made Thomas go to see Jesus this time? It was his deep faith and longing for his Lord and Master. May we all have this deep faith and longing for Jesus so that we would always be present at Holy Mass. – Marino J. Dasmarinas