Doubting Thomas – Reflection on John 20:24-29
Years ago, I authored a poem titled “Doubting Thomas.” Despite the weakness of my faith compared to now, I felt that God had a plan for me. It leads off with the first stanza Small Wire, a poem by Anne Sexton.
My faith
is a great weight
hung on a small wire,
as doth the spider
hang her baby on a thin web
Then transitions to my first stanza of “Doubting Thomas.”
My light faith as the spider strand metaphor,
sways in the breeze, barely holding onto me
So thin, even a breath can push it far away
I wonder if I can be like her greater weight
My entire poem “Doubting Thomas”
The Disbelief of Saint Thomas, James Tissot, (full-resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time reflections
John 20:24-29 Scripture*
Jesus and Thomas
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told 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 in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 20:24-29 Reflection – Doubting Thomas.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 20 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Doubting Thomas
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.