Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
(John 20:29)
It is natural and human to have doubts and questions in our faith journey. God, in His infinite wisdom and patience, understands our struggles and uncertainties. In the Bible, Jesus acknowledges this human tendency to seek tangible evidence. Yet, He also commends those who believe without seeing, highlighting the virtue of faith. This teaches us that faith often involves believing and trusting in what we cannot see with our physical eyes. It’s about confidence in what we hope for and assurance about things unseen.
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he 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.” 26 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.” 27 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.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name. (John 20:19-31)
In the journey of faith, doubts may arise, questions may cloud our earthly skies. Yet in His wisdom, so divine, God understands, He makes no sign. Human we are, in our quest, seeking evidence, doing our best. Yet Jesus commends, those who believe, without seeing, they receive. Highlighting virtue, faith so pure, invisible yet sure. Believing, trusting, in what's unseen, a spiritual realm, where we've been. Confidence in hope, assurance in the unknown, seeds of faith, in our hearts sown. A journey not of sight, but of the soul, guided by faith, we reach our goal.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that it is natural and human to have doubts and questions on our faith journey. We are grateful for Your infinite wisdom and patience as You understand our struggles and uncertainties. We remember Your words in the Bible, acknowledging our human tendency to seek tangible evidence. Yet, You commend those who believe without seeing, highlighting the virtue of faith. Teach us, Lord, that faith often involves believing and trusting in what we cannot see with our physical eyes. It’s about having confidence in what we hope for and assurance about things unseen. Help us to embrace this understanding in our daily lives, to trust in You more fully, and to share this faith with others. May our lives be a testament to Your enduring love and faithfulness. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
There is no alternative, no substitute for the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The influence of the Holy Spirit is evident in the lifestyle of unity and sharing. Unity and sharing of possessions is a testimony of faith and adoption of love as a way of life. Unity in prayer is an unshakeable and powerful force. Courage in the face of opposition is a lesson in standing up for one’s faith. When we walk with Jesus daily, people around us start to see Jesus in us. Boldness in proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ shows alignment with divine authority and recognition of God’s sovereignty.
32 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. 34 There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, 35 and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. (Acts 4:32-35)
In the realm where faith does reside, no alternative to Christ is supplied. His redemptive power, a beacon so bright guides us through the darkest night. The Holy Spirit's influence, a sight to behold, in a lifestyle of unity, a story told. Sharing possessions, a testimony of faith, an act of love, a spiritual wraith. Unity in prayer, a force unshakeable, in the face of adversity, we're unbreakable. Courage stands tall, a lesson learned, in the face of opposition, no cheek is turned. Walking with Jesus, a journey divine, in us, His holy presence does shine. Bold in proclaiming resurrection's tale, with divine authority, we set sail. Recognizing God's sovereignty, a truth so clear, in our hearts, His voice we hear. In this life of faith, love, and unity, we find our purpose, our community.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that there is no alternative, no substitute for the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for Your love that is beyond measure and Your grace that is beyond comprehension. We recognize the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, evident in our unity and sharing. We understand that our unity and sharing of possessions is not just an act of kindness, but a testimony of our faith and an adoption of love as our way of life. We believe in the power of unity in prayer. We know that when we come together in Your name, we form an unshakeable and powerful force. We pray for the courage to stand up for our faith, even in the face of opposition. As we walk with Jesus daily, let our lives be a reflection of Your love so that people around us start to see Jesus in us. Give us the boldness to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ, showing our alignment with Your divine authority and our recognition of Your sovereignty. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Jesus Christ, who was rejected by many during His time on earth became the cornerstone of the Christian faith. God’s plans and values can be very different from human expectations. Something (or someone) initially dismissed or undervalued can turn out to be of fundamental importance. Faith is not just about belief but also about action. No matter what happens, God’s mercy is always available and never-ending. The steadfastness of God’s love encourages us to extend the same mercy to others.
2 Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy endures forever.” 13 I was hard pressed and was falling, but the Lord helped me. 14 My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 15 The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just. 22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. (Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24)
In the realm of faith, a tale unfolds, of Jesus Christ, and courage bold. Rejected by many, in His earthly span, yet became the cornerstone, of God's divine plan. God's plans and values, a mystery profound, differ from human expectations, we've found. Dismissed or undervalued, yet of importance prime, in God's grand design, it's their time to shine. Faith is not just belief, it's action too, a testament of love, for me and you. No matter the trials, or how steep the climb, God's mercy endures, transcending time. The steadfastness of God's love, so deep and wide, encourages us all, to let mercy be our guide. To extend to others, what to us is shown, a love so great, the world has never known.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that Jesus Christ, who was rejected by many during His time on earth, has become the cornerstone of our Christian faith. We are reminded that Your plans and values can be very different from human expectations. We understand that something or someone initially dismissed or undervalued can turn out to be of fundamental importance in Your divine plan. We recognize that faith is not just about belief but also about action. We are grateful for Your mercy that is always available and never-ending, no matter what happens. The steadfastness of Your love encourages us to extend the same mercy to others. Help us to live out these truths in our daily lives, to show mercy as You have shown us mercy, and to act in faith as You have called us to do. May we always remember that You are our cornerstone, our foundation, and our guide. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God has the whole situation under control. We belong to God and as God’s children, we can rest assured that we are loved and protected by our divine parent. Our love and obedience to God is a demonstration of love to the body of Christ. Obeying God’s commandments is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. The most important thing that must be done to go to Heaven is to believe in Jesus. This means believing that Jesus is his Messiah, not just the Messiah in the generic sense. Confessing our belief in Him is a crucial step towards salvation. Turning away from sins is a necessary part of the journey towards salvation. Once we understand what it takes to get to Heaven, we need to share this good news with others.
1 Beloved: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves also the one begotten by him. 2 In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, 4 for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith. 5 Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood. The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth. (1 John 5:1-6)
In the grand design of the divine, God has control, in Him, we intertwine. As His children, in His loving care, we find comfort, beyond compare. Our love for God, a radiant light, a demonstration of His might. In obedience, we find our part, a testament of a loving heart. To enter Heaven's golden gate, God's commandments we emulate. The most important act, you see, is to believe in Jesus, the key. Believing He is the Messiah, our guide, not just a savior, identified. Confessing our belief, a crucial step, in this journey, where faith is kept. Turning away from sins, we find, a necessary act, for humankind. Once we understand, what it takes, we share the good news, for all our sakes.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your divine control over all situations. As Your children, we find comfort in knowing that we belong to You and are loved and protected by You. Our love for You is demonstrated through our obedience to Your commandments. We understand that obeying Your commandments is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. We believe in Jesus, not just as a Messiah, but as our personal Savior. We confess our belief in Him, acknowledging that this confession is a crucial step towards our salvation. We recognize the importance of turning away from our sins as a necessary part of our journey towards salvation. We are grateful for Your mercy that forgives us and gives us a fresh start. Once we understand what it takes to get to Heaven, help us to share this good news with others. Let our lives be a testament to Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES/THOMAS/CONCLUSION
John 20:19-31
First Reading
II: The Mission in Jerusalem
LIFE IN THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Acts 4:32-37
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
HYMN OF THANKSGIVING
Psalm 118:1-29
Second Reading |
III: Love for One Another
FAITH IS VICTORY OVER THE WORLD
1 John 5:1-12
