This week, we will once again listen to the famous story of ‘Doubting Thomas,’ who demanded to see the wounds on Jesus’ hands and side. He said, “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” (John 20:25). Consequently, as we’ve all heard, eight days later, the Risen Lord appeared again to the disciples and deliberately invited Thomas to touch His wounds. Jesus said, “Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe” (John 20:27).
This is quite interesting. Looking back over Jesus’ life, we see that when people asked for signs or miracles, He often refused to comply. In all three Synoptic Gospels, we find the story of the scribes and Pharisees (or the crowds in Luke) demanding signs: “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you” (Matthew 12:38). Jesus responded, “No sign will be given to this generation except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39). In Luke, when Jesus was brought before Herod—who, in fact, was glad to see Him because he had wanted to for a long time and hoped to see a miracle—Jesus remained silent, refusing to perform any sign (Luke 23:8). Even in that critical moment, Jesus did not comply.
In today’s gospel, on the other hand, we hear Thomas’ ‘demand’ to see visible signs of Jesus’ wounds—otherwise, he would not believe. And Jesus, in His mercy, was gracious enough to comply. What is this all about?
If we re-read those stories where people asked Jesus for signs or miracles, we often find that their requests were made to test Him, to satisfy curiosity, or even for entertainment. There was no evidence of goodwill or genuine faith in those demands. However, when sincere faith is present, signs and miracles are indeed granted.
In Thomas’ case, we don’t know for certain whether he actually touched Jesus’ wounds (despite artistic depictions showing him doing so), but we do know that he immediately proclaimed Jesus as his “Lord and God.” He believed. Only genuine and sincere faith is met with signs and miracles. God has His own ways, in the right time and place, to offer us these signs. Our part is to remain faithful and open to the signs and miracles God may place around us.
This Second Sunday of Easter is also designated as Divine Mercy Sunday, and how fitting it is that the funeral of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will take place this weekend. Since his passing, the media—including social media—has been filled with prayers and heartfelt tributes. Numerous video clips of his life have been shared, and watching them has moved me deeply, even to tears.
These moments truly reflect the mercy of God in action: whether embracing a child with a disfigured face, blessing a wedding couple on a street during his busy schedule in Malta, comforting the poor in Rome, Face-Timing with the parish priest and parishioners in Gaza, washing and kissing the feet of prisoners, or consoling a child worried about whether his recently deceased atheist father could go to heaven—each gesture has shown us God’s mercy through him.
These powerful moments convince me that Pope Francis has been a special sign and miracle from God—an embodiment of divine mercy. May we be inspired to do likewise: to be signs of mercy and beacons of hope, so that the world may know we are Jesus’ disciples.
To conclude this week’s reflection, I invite you to join me for a special Mass this Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victories, Camberwell to pray for Pope Francis. During the Mass, each of us will be invited to light a candle in prayer, giving thanks to God for his life and praying for the repose of his soul.
May he rest in peace.
Fr Sang Ho
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm