Some Christian communities celebrate the Second Sunday of Easter as “Thomas Sunday.” The Gospel of John includes the disciple known as “The Twin” in the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection. Matthew, Mark and Luke don’t mention him. Thomas is the human, real disciple, with flaws and gifts, doubts and faith. He is one of us!
The aftermath of Easter was a mixed-up time for the followers of Jesus. Having heard from Mary Magdalene that Jesus was alive—after being crucified and buried—the disciples were filled with fear, not knowing what to expect from the religious authorities. Timid, they isolated themselves in a locked room.
Coming to them where they were, the risen Lord gave a greeting of peace, showed them the scars on his hands and side, real signs of crucifixion, and gave them the Holy Spirit. But Thomas wasn’t there that day, not able to participate in the revealing. The disciples told him that Jesus was “truly alive,” but the absent “Twin” would not believe the fantastic news unless he saw and touched the wounded Teacher in the flesh. A week later, Jesus came back to their hideout, invited Thomas to verify the story and have faith. The skeptic follower believed and called Jesus “My Lord and my God!” Some biblical commentators say Thomas is the first person to acknowledge the divinity of Jesus.
Into that very confusing and scary setting suddenly comes Jesus. Wasn’t his death the reason the disciples were afraid? And rising from the tomb...well, that’s the most unexpected and unbelievable thing that could happen! He says “Peace” several times and “I’m sending you out as the Father sent me. Receive the Holy Spirit and forgive one another.”
Can we relate to the lonely and scary situation that the disciples and Thomas found themselves? Our neighbors and we deal with the pain and uncertainty of illness and accidents. Personal crises like death in our families and relationships strike nearby. We are hit by
financial need and national calamity. Trust in Jesus is difficult, even impossible at times! Yet, our risen Lord comes quietly and unexpectedly with His gifts of the Holy Spirit and faith, offering life that is full, unselfish and shared out of concern for one another, especially those in dire need.
Thomas the skeptic becomes Thomas the verifier, truth-teller, and exemplary person of faith. The Holy Spirit empowers our turn-around—perhaps not as dramatic—but very much like his.
Learn more:
+ Search for the well-known sayings of Thomas in John 11: 16 and John 14:1-7.
+ A “minor festival,” St. Thomas, Apostle is celebrated each church year on December 21, a few days before the Nativity of Our Lord.
+ We read about Thomas in John 20: 10-31—the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter every year.
+ Christian tradition notes that Thomas travelled to India to share the Gospel and died there
between 50—55 A.D.
+ Not in the Bible, the Gospel of Thomas from the Coptic Church (Egypt) consists of sayings
of Jesus. Read them to determine why they were not included in the biblical record! +++++
Pastor Ed Brandt