Second Sunday of Easter – 16th April 2023 — Gospel: John 20, 19-31
Experience leading to Praise
The gospel presents two scenes with an appearance of Jesus to his disciples in the same place, in or near Jerusalem. The first takes place on the evening of Easter day, when Thomas is absent (20,19-25). The second narrates a week later when Thomas is present along with others (20,26-31). Both the scenes take place in the same house where the disciples are behind locked doors. There is no explanation given for the gathering of the disciples. The reason to meet behind locked doors is fear, yet the resurrected Jesus appears miraculously to strengthen them.
In the second scene (20,26-29), when Thomas demands an experiential proof, it is not the proof he seeks that brings to faith, rather an experience. The disciples wish to have their own encounter with Jesus. After their first experience of risen Jesus, they say the same words of Mary to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas wishes to have his own, which is similar to the Samaritan woman. After she meets Jesus at the well, she goes to her town to tell of her encounter with Jesus. They went to Jesus and invited him to stay with them. After this they told the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves”. This is not against neglecting her, but confirmation that believing in Jesus is not about believing in someone else’s experiences but having your own encounter with Incarnate Word. Jesus doesn’t condemn Thomas but offers a simple invitation. Jesus comes back for Thomas because he will not lose a single one of those whom the Father gave him (18,9). There are two types of response in Jesus’ appearance: the disciples rejoiced, but Thomas praised. The portrayal of Jesus guiding Thomas’ hand to his wound could signify Jesus’ entry to the wounded world to bring healing.
