13th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Wednesday 3rd July 2024

Do you ever find yourself in isolation? Loneliness and isolation are serious problems today. Cities are filled with people, but everyone is in a rush, and few really relate to one another. Many are pushed to the margins of society. St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians advised: consider that you are no longer aliens or strangers, but citizens with the saints. We are all part of the household of God, united with all others who invoke the sacred name and with all people of good will. We form the living and holy temple of God. We all need to awaken to that reality. We ought not to alienate ourselves from our faith community.

St Thomas would have isolated himself and not believed that Jesus was alive and that He had visited the others. Belief in the risen Christ was no easier then than it is now. So, Thomas wanted proof – something he could literally grasp. Jesus obliged him, inviting him to touch His wounds and put his finger into His side. Thomas blurted out, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus commented that many would come after Him without the opportunity to know Him in His earthly form. Blessed are those who listen to the testimony of their hearts and see the presence of Jesus in the lives of those who come to faith. With regard to faith, the Apostles really have no advantage over us. What counts as proof in your faith journey?

Lord, open my eyes to see Your presence.