Acts 2.42 to 47; Ps 117 (118); 1Pt 1,3-9; Jn 20.19-31

The Gospel of John describes the rhythm of a Christian community which, every eight days, on the Lord’s Day, gathers to celebrate Jesus’ Passover, certain that the Risen Lord makes himself present among his own, in the gift of peace and Spirit. The gaze lingers particularly on the figure of Thomas and his disbelief. He is absent on Easter Sunday, probably because he could not believe the announcement of Mary of Magdala. The Lord will manifest Himself only when he accepts to be with his brothers, to profess a faith that is at the same time personal – “My Lord and my God” – and communitarian, ecclesial. Thomas must however live another Easter passage: from the excuse of touching and verifying he must move to the experience of being known by Jesus, who knows his request well, and reminds him of it with the very words Thomas had used. Thomas perceives himself as known and loved by Jesus, even in his sin and unbelief. We love Jesus, as Peter says, and even without seeing him we believe in him. Above all, however, we feel loved and forgiven by him. The encounter with the Risen One is always an experience of a free love that heals and reconciles.

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey