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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Have you come to believe?

Have you come to believe?

Published Jul 2, 2023 08:26 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY


Certain sects which reject the divinity of Jesus have a strange way of interpreting Thomas’ exclamation, “My Lord and my God!” (v 28). They claim that this is a mere interjection: words one utters when one is shocked, surprised, or at the height of emotion. The Catholic Church has always taken Thomas’ expression as a confession: Thomas here professes that Jesus is God. Jesus’ reply to Thomas, in fact, belies the interpretation of Thomas’ statement as interjection. Jesus says, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (v 29). Thomas has indeed believed, albeit only after a physical and empirical proof. There are people today who, in their unbelief, ridicule Christians. Current trends show widespread agnosticism, atheism, and rationalism in social media and among influencers. We need to stand up for our faith. The saints before us have shown us the way—the witness of our lives is the foremost proof of the faith that we profess.

Gospel • Jn 20:24-29

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 Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).

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