On this second Sunday of Easter, we hear the familiar story of the “Doubting Thomas.” In short, Thomas was like many scientists or skeptics who must be shown the “evidence” before he will believe any claim of truth. He would not believe his fellow disciples when they said “We have seen the Lord” following His resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is only when Jesus invites Thomas to physically put his finger in His side that Thomas at last believes and boldly proclaims, “My Lord and my God.” The conversion of St. Thomas shows us some important points about Jesus. First, we see that Jesus came down to meet Thomas at his level. Jesus knew that Thomas was skeptical, like many of us at times in our own lives. But Jesus did not reject Thomas because of the doubt and pessimism. And second, Jesus was eliciting Thomas’ faith by showing him who He truly was, the divine Son of God. Jesus wanted to give Thomas every chance to believe. And we know by Jesus’ own words that He wants us to come to that same belief, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” There are “doubting Thomas” moments in almost all of our lives where our faith is tested. But that doesn’t make us bad or evil. Jesus understands! Let us bring our questions and concerns to the Lord in prayer instead of trying to hide or ignore them. Draw strength and understanding through the Sacraments. Spend time in veneration of the cross, asking Jesus to help us see and feel in our hearts the wounds that were the price of our salvation. Don’t settle for going through the motions of a lukewarm faith. Seek always the grace of the Holy Spirit to help us make that leap of true faith that prompts each of us to joyfully shout out, “My Lord and my God!” And as today’s reading ends, John informs us this event is but one of many signs written “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” Amen!