Thomas Sunday 2014

Consider the mercy of the Lord, how for the sake of one soul, He exhibits His wounds. And yet the disciples deserved credit, and He had Himself foretold the event. Notwithstanding, because one person, Thomas, would examine Him, Christ allowed him. But He did not appear to him immediately, but waited till the eighth day, in order that the admonition being given in the presence of the disciples, might kindle in him greater desire, and strengthen his faith for the future. And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be to you.
Jesus then comes Himself, and does not wait till Thomas interrogates Him. But to show that He heard what Thomas said to the disciples, He uses the same words. And first He rebukes him. Then says He to Thomas, reach hither your finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither your hand, and thrust it into My side. A second time, He admonishes him. Be not faithless, but believing. Note how that before they receive the Holy Spirit faith wavers, but afterward is firm. We may wonder how an incorruptible body could retain the marks of the nails. But it was done in condescension; in order that they might be sure that it was the very person Who was crucified.
If anyone then says, would that I had lived in those times, and seen Christ doing miracles! Let him reflect, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
St. John Chrysostom

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