First Prelude: Behold the Apostle Thomas, full of shame and contrition, falling at the feet of His Master and loudly confessing his faith.
Second Prelude: Replenish my heart, O Jesus, with the sentiments that animated Thy contrite disciple, that I may strive to atone for my past faults by redoubled zeal.
First Point
THE LOVE OF JESUS FOR THOMAS
For a whole week Thomas persevered in his unbelief, and who can tell how long he might have remained hardened had not the love of Jesus conquered him. We, too, are prone to fall and persevere in sin, but we cannot rise without the assistance of God’s grace. Oh, the wonderful goodness of God, which has so often raised us after a fall! Jesus takes the first step to win back the guilty disciple and affords him an opportunity to make public reparation, by humble repentance, for the public scandal, that his conversion might be complete and exemplary.
It seems as though this apparition was for the sole benefit of Thomas. To him Jesus addressed Himself with the kindest words fulfilling even his seemingly importunate request. “Come,” Jesus says to Him, “put thy finger hither, and see My hands; and bring hither thy hand and put it into My side; and be not faithless, but believing.” How touching is not the love of Jesus! What punishment could He have meted out to Thomas for such a gross fault! What penance might He not have imposed! Let us never fear to approach Jesus after having committed a fault. We see in this instance how lovingly He seeks the lost sheep. How could He reject those who come to Him contrite, humbly confiding in the goodness of His paternal love! But at the same time we will treat our erring neighbor lovingly and guard against passionate self-indulgence, especially when admonishing him. We shall try in vain to correct the faults of others if, while administering a reproof, we offend God through lack of meekness. Jesus stakes all to reclaim a single strayed soul. Could we remain cold and indifferent at the sight of danger threatening one of our charges?
Must I not fear to grieve the Sacred Heart of Jesus more by my lack of confidence than by my faults? What is my conduct toward those who have offended me?
Second Point
THOMAS ATONES FOR HIS FAULT
The splendor of the risen Saviour, His inexpressible goodness, the loving words that fell from His lips had, in a single moment, completely transformed the heart of the Apostle. Beside himself, he could utter only the words: “My Lord and my God!” But these few words voiced his sentiments. If he was mindful of his fault, he was moved to compunction and self-abasement; if he thought of the meekness and indulgence of Jesus toward him, though he had merited His displeasure, the most fiery love was enkindled in his soul. The thought of our sins and of the mercy of God should call forth in us similar sentiments of contrition and love. Let us learn from the efficacy of this short prayer that many and eloquent words do not necessarily constitute the essence of prayer, but that all depends upon one’s disposition of mind and heart. Short prayers, devoutly said, exert more power over the Heart of Jesus than longer ones lacking true fervor. Let us seek through lively faith to walk in the presence of God that our prayers may become more perfect. Such faith of which Jesus says: “Blessed are they that have not seen and have believed” is an especial gift of God. Imitating the example of the Apostles, when they said: “Lord, increase in us Thy faith,” we must constantly pray for an increase of faith.
Is my faith, perhaps, still weak, unfruitful in good works of sanctity and zeal for souls? Do I frequently pray that my faith may be strengthened and increased?
Affections: O my Jesus, I, too, recognize Thee as my Lord and my God. Animated with the sentiments of humility and contrition, of submission and hope, of love and devotion, which filled the heart of Thomas, I adore Thee with profoundest reverence. Accept my sentiments with complacency and grant me with the perfect pardon of my sins, a more firm and living faith that I may be rendered worthy to reap the blessing Thou hast attached to faith. Grant me grace to perform all my works in the spirit of faith, that trusting and confiding in Thee, I may overcome every obstacle and finally conquer self. Humbly confident, I will hasten to Thy Sacred Wounds, these sources of grace and salvation, and draw from them the ardent, powerful and self-sacrificing love which Thy Apostles drew from them, that by redoubled fervor I, too, may make amends for my past transgressions and my insufficient love.
Resolution: As soon as I am conscious of a fault I will return to my Saviour, contrite, and with unbounded trust promise Him to perform the following action with redoubled zeal.
Spiritual Bouquet: “My Lord and my God!”
Prayer: Soul of Christ . . .
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