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." 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." (Jn 20:24-29)
Experience of Thomas has been the experience of many. He missed Jesus when he came. We end up as persons who are not privileged to see the Lord. We also experience that others are always in a better position than ourselves. Such experiences leave us to challenge even God. We want an equal treatment even when we do not deserve or even when we are not prepared for it. We want God to be just and generous even when we are not cooperating with him.
Jesus always gives his experience to everyone. He not only obliges us but he just and equal. He continues to be good and just and revealing and generous. At the second incident again Jesus was as he was at the first. Thomas was there at that time. If by chance he had missed that chance also there would have been a third and fourth. (Jesus revealed himself many times). For Jesus continues to be the same. It depends on us if we are present or not.
Belief does not depend on experiences alone. Experiences definitely give a basis for the revelation of God. Experiences induce belief and strengthen faith and so on. People who are beyond all these experiences and who do not depend on these are better of. Faith should not be limited or controlled by experiences. Belief has value in itself and stands by itself.
