Sermon Thoughts – 2nd week in Easter time

Sermon Thoughts – 2nd week in Easter time

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Today’s Gospel has got 2 parts. But both of them describe the apparition of the risen Lord to his friends. In the first part we see Jesus appears to the apostles and sends the Spirit upon them. The second part gave the apostle Thomas his everlasting name “Doubting Thomas”.

Both of these parts describe the apparition of Jesus in a special way. There are some matters in common.

Jesus poses central to the apostles. By taking this central position all may be able to see Jesus. But the evangelist places another but great message in it. It is the central nature of Jesus to our faith.

It may be noted that Jesus in not so strictly pictured in the central position during his trips with his friends. This tells us that the risen Jesus is the centre of our faith; he only is the central point of our spiritual gatherings.

The way of greeting is the next common factor. Jesus greets “Peace be with You!” He repeats this message. Peace; it was the life-desire of Jesus. All his wonder-works were to give human race this peace. He was guiding them to the Peace of His Father in Heaven. The life of Jesus- from the annunciation to the Ascension- can be shortened to two words;
Peace and Love.

Jesus appears repeatedly to his friends to make them sure of his new life. The reason of Apostle Thomas’s absence in the first part is unknown to us. John the evangelist is not describing it seriously. But Jesus is serious about it. He wants to convey his message to every one; also to Thomas. He wants none of them to be lost, just as Judas.

Thomas was missing a chance to meet Jesus. His absence in the community caused it. Of course today’s theologians may not find the reaction of Thomas not as the lack of faith. His disappointment in missing this chance might have made him crazy. And I am sure, from that time onwards Thomas might not have left the community. Because he loved Jesus so much! The name “Didymus” is sign for that.

Thomas reminds me some critics of the church in these days. They are using all their means to oppose and criticize her teachings. But many of them are really out of this community and away from experiencing Jesus in their lives. So their understanding of faith is not like that of a faithful. It is not based on faith: it is based on reason alone.

Thomas reminds us, any way one special matter. Jesus and his salvation are experienced at full power only in a spiritual community. Missing it makes us bitter or unfaithful towards God.
Thomas remained in the community and experienced Jesus in a very special way.
None of the apostles are said to have a physical contact with the Risen Lord other than Thomas. Even Mary Magdalene was forbidden from that by Jesus. Jesus breathes his spirit on others, but gave his special “touch” to Thomas. And Thomas Worked for Him, moved by this touch.


God is willing to give many of us this special touch. Just to be in the community and in faith is the step for that golden chance. Let us try to refresh our faith. He will help our faithlessness. He will touch us and bless us. Let us pray for that Grace. Amen!

—-– Fr Thomas Kalathil