Divine Mercy Sunday Reflections – Thomas the Scientist's Doubt
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. Acts 4:32-35
1 John 5:1-6: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him.”
John 20:19-31: “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.'”
My dear brothers and sisters, today, as we gather on this Divine Mercy Sunday, our hearts resonate with the echoes of ancient stories.
These verses from Acts, John's letter, and the Gospel of John weave a tapestry of faith, doubt, and the boundless ocean of God's mercy.
The Community of Believers: Acts 4:32-35
Imagine the early Christian community—a vibrant mosaic of souls, their hearts beating as one. They shared not only their possessions but also their very lives. Their unity was a symphony of compassion, a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love. In their selflessness, they mirrored the heart of God—the ultimate giver, the divine philanthropist.
The Scientist's Doubt: John 20:19-31
And then there was Thomas—Didymus, the twin. A man of reason, a scientist of faith. His skepticism was not born of malice but of a longing for empirical proof.
Unless I see the mark of the nails, I will not believe. Thomas-Didymus
His heart craved evidence, his mind yearned for certainty. Thomas, the doubter, stands before us—a mirror reflecting our own moments of uncertainty.
Divine Mercy Sunday Reflections – Thomas the Scientist's Doubt
Haven't we all, at times, questioned the unseen? Haven't we sought tangible signs, like Thomas, to bolster our fragile faith? His doubt is not a flaw but a human ache—an ache that God understands intimately.
The Wounded Hands and the Heart of Forgiveness
And then, the risen Christ appears—a symphony of scars and grace. He enters the locked room, where fear and doubt hold sway. His greeting is simple yet profound:
Peace be with you. Jesus Christ
The wounds on His hands and side are not hidden; they are revealed, offered as proof. Thomas, touch them, feel them, know that I am real.
Thomas, the scientist, becomes Thomas, the believer. His doubt dissolves in the warmth of Christ's presence. He exclaims:
My Lord and my God! Thomas-Didymus
The skeptic's heart yields to the heart of forgiveness—the heart that bears the marks of love's sacrifice.
Divine Mercy: Where Sin Is Hardest
And so, my friends, let us embrace the Divine Mercy that envelops us. It is not a sterile concept but a living reality—a balm for our wounded souls. Jesus told St. Faustina:
Where the sin is hardest, My mercy will be greatest. Jesus Christ
Our doubts, our failings, our deepest wounds—they are not barriers; they are invitations to encounter the heart of God.
Let us remember those words inscribed beneath the image of the Divine Mercy:
Jesus, I trust in You.
Trust, forgiveness, and peace—they flow from the wounded hands of our Saviour.
Thomas, the scientist, teaches us that doubt need not be our final chapter. Like him, we have a choice—to embrace faith or remain in conflict. Let us choose union, community, and love. Let us extend mercy to others, just as we have received it.
Today, let our hearts echo Thomas's confession: “My Lord and my God!” May our doubts lead us to deeper encounters with the risen Christ. And may His mercy transform us into instruments of peace.
