Now Thomas (also known as Didymus^]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:24-28

I see myself in Thomas.  He was one of the 12 apostles, a twin of whom we know nothing.  I need proof!!

He needed tactile proof, shall we say, in order to be sure of the truth.  It looks like the other apostles did not need this kind of proof to convince them that the person that had appeared to the apostles was really Jesus.  I think Thomas was honest when he said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” That was a week before Jesus did appear to show himself to Thomas.   It is as though Jesus knew what Thomas was thinking so he appeared and showed himself to Thomas, saying, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  Thomas, bless him, believed with all his heart!

I recall my surprise when in India I learned that Thomas brought the Gospel to that great land – a doubter turned into a believer who blessed many.  Pondering that thought, I asked the Lord to give me the gift of belief!  There is so much to disprove the love of God but we believe no matter what!