Many people find it hard to believe in a God who would lower himself to become human. The first reading from the letter of St John attests firmly to the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. In chapter 3 of the gospel of John he told Nicodemus that “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16)
The accounts of the appearances of the risen Lord, particularly in Luke and John, emphasize that fact that Jesus’ risen body was very real. He could be touched, and in Luke he ate a piece of broiled fish (Luke 24:42-45). The fact that his wounds were still visible indicates that his Passion and Resurrection cannot be separated; they are part of the long story that God has been telling throughout history and that Jesus recounted to the disciples on the way to Emmaus.
Like Thomas, we all have our doubts, especially when we see such hatred and violence in the world today; yet the risen Lord promised to be with us till the end of time (Matt. 28:20).
"Confirm our hearts in your love, and keep alive in us the memory of your goodness and kindness, which have appeared in Jesus Christ our Lord." (from the Glenstal Book of Prayer)