In today’s Gospel, we witness the encounter between Jesus and the apostle referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” News of the Resurrection is spreading like wildfire, but Thomas is not yet convinced. He wants to know, to understand, to see for himself. The person he most admired and loved in the world, for whom he had given up everything to become his disciple: betrayed, mocked, condemned, tortured and crucified. Then three days later, first Mary Magdalene and the women disciples, and then all the rest of the inner circle, the “apostles” – are claiming that they have seen, met, touched Jesus.

Put yourself into Thomas’ shoes. What was he thinking and feeling? Was it jealousy? Disappointment? Hurt? A sense of being left out? Whatever it was, Thomas was not satisfied with just hearing about Jesus’ rising. He wants to meet the Lord. To see him. To touch him. To know “for sure.”

I identify with Thomas. I admire his ability and willingness to name what he needed. For like Thomas, we are people of faith … who struggle with doubts. We live in rapidly-changing times, in a world where everything – including our most cherished beliefs – seems to be up for grabs. Our faith is a restless, searching faith. Like Thomas, we want “evidence” before we will commit to believe. In our questioning, our searching, and even our doubting, Jesus comes to meet us. He comes to give us new vision, to expose the shadows of our biases and fears into clearer light: "You believe, Thomas, because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

In this Easter season, may each of us encounter Jesus not merely by hearsay, but in a real, incarnate, and personal way. May we experience divine mercy and grace flowing from his heart. May our doubts lead us not to despair and disbelief, but to joyfully echo Thomas’ proclamation of faith in the risen Jesus: "My Lord and my God!"