John 29:24-25
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
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.”
How many times have you given someone a second chance?
Are you judgmental, then close the door to the thought that a person can truly change?
In today’s Gospel, we hear the familiar story of Thomas, who stubbornly tells the other disciples “No way! I’ll believe it when I see it.”
It may sound silly, but I’m always touched when I read stories of the disciple’s follies – it reminds me that Jesus doesn’t choose perfect people to follow him. It calls to mind that the disciples have pitfalls just like you and me – issues with anger, pride, greed, and a lack of faith.
When Thomas meets the risen Jesus later in the story, Jesus gives Thomas another chance, showing His infinite mercy. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we’re called to remember that He extends that same mercy to us, as long as we seek Him.
Looking for more Divine Mercy resources? I loved this beautiful homily from Deacon Greg. If you need ideas for children, Lacey from Catholic Icing is your go to girl!
Looking for more faith filled posts? You’ll find me visiting Soli Deo Gloria,Jump Tandem,Scripture and a Snapshot, Sunday Snippets, Spiritual Sundays, Hear it on Sunday, Playdates with God,Titus 2sday,On Your Heart Tuesday,Domestically Divine Tuesdays,Gratituesday,Word Filled Wednesdays, Walk With Him Wednesdays, iFellowship, and Good Morning Girls.
I need to remember to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet today (using the app you suggested, of course!)
I’ve not actually used that app a lot — I LOVE when they do it on the Catholic Radio station at noon during the week — they sing it, and it is SO beautiful.
“the disciple’s follies” Ha! Perfectly put.
I think of them as Keystone Cops or the 3 Stooges bumping into each other & falling on their butts.
Thank God for all those chances!!
Hope your day is blessed♥
Divine mercy…we talked about that today in worship as well. So thankful for his grace and mercy toward me!
Visiting by way of Scripture and a snapshot today 🙂
I love the story of St. Thomas and your point about Jesus not having perfect followers. The missteps of various apostles are always inspiring because Jesus always forgave and kept them in His company. If Jesus only wanted perfect followers He wouldn’t have had anybody behind Him and there would be no Church.
You’re right its good to remember that the Apostles where men and had follies and doubts the same as you and I. Lots of us, myself included sometimes, tell ourselves that of course they believed they had seen so many miracles and experienced so many things. Yet at the end of Matthew it says that the Apostles worshiped Him, “but some doubted.” Its amazing to me and encouraging in some ways also that men who had been so close to Our Lord still had doubts.
As I said to someone else who posted re: Thomas, when he realized what was true, he followed the Lord, and was eventually a martyr, serving the Lord in India and Persia. [If I’m remembering correctly.] So, even if he jumped in with the wrong attitude at the time, which most of us would do more than once during our walk with the Lord, he gave everything, the best any/all of us could do. Good reminder.
Good post.
I just read about Divine Mercy SUnday on Wikipedia but these resources will give me one better. I find it so fascinating the ways our different churches observe the passing days. It’s such a beautiful thing, don’t you think?
I just did a study on Peter and was reminded over and over of his imperfect humanness. it was comforting and gave me hope.
I love Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday, and Peter. this post about covers it!!