Jesus appears to ten of the disciples in a locked upper room. Judas, who betrayed Him, is gone and, for some reason, Thomas is not present either. How do they feel? Confused. They still haven't really taken in what has happened. Jesus says to them "Peace" (Shalom) which will calm their hearts. He shows them His hands and side. Then after repeating "Peace" he breathes on them saying "Receive the Holy Spirit".
So, where was Thomas? We are not told. Maybe he needed to be on his own to sort out his thoughts and feelings. Who was He? He was present at the raising of Lazarus but we know little about him. Jesus told the disciples "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" after Thomas had asked how they could know the way. As Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared, the others told him about it. However, he had his doubts.
A week later, Jesus appeared again. Again, He said to them "Peace"This time, Thomas was present. Jesus offered Thomas the opportunity to put his fingers into the nail prints and his hand into Jesus' side. We are not told whether he did or not, but it is clear that he believed and responded with the words "My Lord and My God"
The gospel writer, John, tells us that there were many other signs that are not recorded but "these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name."
So, what can we learn from this story?
Jesus gives us peace
He sends us out to share the Good News empowered by His Holy Spirit
Doubt is not wrong if it leads to questions and the answers which then strengthen our faith.
We can say "Jesus is my Lord and my God"
