First reading Ephesians 2:19-22
In Christ you are no longer aliens, but citizens like us
You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cornerstone. As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm 116(117):1-2
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
or
Alleluia!
O praise the Lord, all you nations,
acclaim him all you peoples!
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
or
Alleluia!
Strong is his love for us;
he is faithful for ever.
Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
or
Alleluia!
Gospel John 20:24-29
‘My Lord and my God!’
Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:
‘You believe because you can see me.
Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’
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My Lord and my God!
“… you too, in him, are being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit.” (1st reading) We are dwelling places for God, even with all our imperfections and quirks. Are we aware of His presence in us? By making us His home, God is with us as we go through the ups and downs of life and shares with us all that He is- love, peace, joy, etc. Thus, we are never alone. This reality of being the dwelling place of God calls us to be a clear reflection of Him to others. When people look at us, they should see God.
Today, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas. His story gives hope to us. Though He was known as the doubter, his scepticism became a catalyst for a deeper faith. When he encountered the Risen Lord and touched his wounds, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”. He committed his whole life to steadfastly preaching the Good News, to the point that he gave his life as a martyr. There is nothing wrong with having uncertainties as long as we follow Jesus closely and seek a personal encounter with Him.
Reflective question:
What is God saying to me today?
What is God saying to me today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
