7/3/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 20:24-29
24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 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.”
27 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.”
28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
7/3/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 20:24-29
The Gospel reading above tells the story of Thomas, a disciple who struggled to believe the joyful testimony of the others. He wanted proof before he could trust. Yet Jesus did not reject him because of his questions. Instead, He came with patience and compassion, inviting Thomas to move from doubt to faith. This Gospel reminds us that God understands our struggles and lovingly leads us to deeper trust. We can remember this message through the word SEEN.
S – Seek the Presence of God
Thomas missed the first appearance of the risen Lord and found himself overwhelmed with uncertainty. But when he gathered again with the community of disciples, Jesus came to meet him. In our own moments of confusion, disappointment, or unanswered questions, we are called to seek God’s presence rather than withdraw from Him. Through prayer, worship, Scripture, and fellowship with others, we open our hearts to the One who brings peace and hope. God often reveals Himself when we continue seeking Him faithfully.
E – Embrace Faith Beyond Sight
Thomas wanted visible evidence before he would believe. Many of us are tempted to do the same. We ask God to explain everything, remove every doubt, or provide immediate answers. Yet faith grows when we learn to trust God’s love even when we cannot see the whole picture. We may not understand every trial or delay, but we can rest in the assurance that God is working behind the scenes. Faith is not blindness; it is confidence in the goodness and faithfulness of God.
E – Encourage Others with Compassion
The other disciples did not condemn Thomas for his doubts. They continued to share their joyful experience with him. Likewise, we encounter people who struggle with faith, suffer disappointments, or wrestle with difficult questions. Instead of criticizing them, we are called to encourage them with patience and understanding. Sometimes people need a listening ear, a kind word, or a faithful friend who walks beside them. God often uses compassionate believers to strengthen hearts that are searching for hope.
N – Nurture a Trusting Heart
When Thomas finally encountered Jesus, his doubts gave way to conviction and worship. A trusting heart does not develop overnight. It grows through daily experiences of God’s grace, answered prayers, and constant companionship. Even when challenges arise, we can nurture trust by remembering God’s faithfulness in the past and relying on His promises for the future. The more we walk with Him, the stronger our confidence becomes.
Whenever doubts arise, remember SEEN:
S – Seek the Presence of God
E – Embrace Faith Beyond Sight
E – Encourage Others with Compassion
N – Nurture a Trusting Heart
The risen Lord does not turn away those who struggle. He meets them with mercy and invites them into deeper faith. We may not always see everything clearly, but we can trust the One who sees us completely. Blessed are those who continue to believe, hope, and love, even when they cannot see all the answers. In God’s hands, doubts can become doorways to a stronger and more mature faith.
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