Thursday, April 11, 2024

Reflection -- Easter 2024 -- Who would believe what we have heard

The Saturday within the Octave of Easter ( 6 Apr 2024 ), the Mass readings included from the Gospel of St Mark:

But later, as the Eleven were at table, he (Jesus) appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised.

On the next day, Sunday, 7 Apr 2024, the Second Sunday of Easter, when we read of the doubt of St Thomas, we read from the Gospel Of St John:

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

So the other disciples said to 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 into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Frequently, this passage points to the doubt of Thomas, and his belief following his own observance of the risen Christ.

But, one can also see in both of the passages a fulfilment of the prophesy in the book of the prophet Isaiah:

Who would believe what we have heard?*

To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?




Stained glass window of the Resurrection in St Paul Catholic Church

This photograph shows the stained glass window that is behind the altar of St Paul Catholic Church, North Canton, OH.  You can also see the crucifix which hangs in the sanctuary.

The arm of Lord is clearly depicted in the window of the Resurrection.

Thomas looked at the end of Jesus arm, at the wounds in his hands.  Jesus' arm and the wounds in his hands were revealed to the eleven.