This gospels of this first week are all the first encounters the disciples and followers of Jesus had with him after he rose. Next Sunday, we meet Thomas as we do every year. I have always wondered where he went during this week. Nowhere is it recorded in the Gospels, but my own idea is that he went away to think, to pray, to grieve and to wonder what would be next for him. We all experience the same thing when we are going through things we do not understand. It is not bad to pull back at those times and allow the Lord to breath new life into us.
This was the reason I took advantage of a sabbatical a few years ago. It was a great experience through the people I met, the classes we had, the course I took in the Prophets, and just being away. But the step back helped me regain my perspective and see what was really essential to my priesthood. I had been overdoing it and was teetering on the edge of burnout. I wonder if teetering is the right word; falling headfirst in the muck might be better. What I learned in Texas was the reality to be a priest was to serve Jesus and only him; not some ideal I had or definition of priesthood that was mine and not His.
Thomas is a great example that even in the joy of Easter we experience the sadness of Good Friday and the questions of Holy Saturday. He teaches us that our doubts are avenues to belief when we embrace them.
May the peace of the Risen Christ breath life into your fears and doubts. He is always in our midst.
Leave a Reply