This past Sunday, we heard the Gospel account St. Thomas, today we have reflections and activities for the family to use to meditate on the past Sunday’s liturgy.
First, review the story of Doubting Thomas. If they have not heard it before or don't remember the details, they can be found in John 20: 19-31.
1) What are some things that you believe in that you cannot see? Why do you believe in it/them? Why do you trust the people that told you about it/them?
2) Do we sometimes wish we could get the same physical proof that Thomas got? What would we gain with that proof? What would we lose?
3) Why do you think Jesus let Thomas touch him to make sure he was real?
4) Some people say that Thomas was just being a pessimist. He was devastated by the death of Jesus and he did not want to get his hopes up because he feared becoming sad again if those hopes were crushed. Is there anything in your life where you have felt that it is better to just have low expectations so you are not disappointed? You don't have to answer. Just reflect on those thoughts, and then reflect on the words used before, "fear" and "hope". How are those words related to each other? Do they oppose or support each other? What does God teach about fear and hope?
Dear Jesus, You are the source of hope and goodness in the world. But like Thomas, we are not perfect and sometimes we forget that. Please give us faith so that we may fully trust in You and never have to fear anything. May our hope in You never waver because of fear. Amen.
High School:
Thomas get a pretty bad rap. His hallmark to infamy is that he is the one that doubted. Sure enough though, St. Thomas of Didymus, is nevertheless a saint, who was martyred for the faith. In John 14:5St. Thomas asks a crucial question on how we are to go to the Father, and Christ, reminds him and us that it is through him, the Son of God, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, that we can enter into the Kingdom of God. St. Thomas went to India when all of the disciples were sent after Pentecost, and he continued to spread the Gospel, until his martyrdom. Though he doubted, he professes the truth of Jesus, “My Lord and My God”. (Jn20:28). We too must enter into that truth again and again, as our lives are ultimately changed through each encounter with Christ.
In prayer, take some time to reflect on Caravaggio’s The Incredulity of Saint Thomasthis painting (found above) depicts the moment Thomas put his hand into the side of Jesus. The image might make your stomach sour for a minute as Thomas is touching the glorified bodied of Jesus. The wounds are there, the marks of the Cross still present. However, this depiction affirms our faith. JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD! It was not a ghostly appearance, but it was him in his flesh. Thomas is dressed in the clothes of a beggar, symbolizing his poor faith. Christ is radiant, so much so that his light reflects off his Apostles. This reminds us that we too are called to share the light of Christ to the world.
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