In today’s Gospel – John 20:19-31 – we are told of Jesus appearance to some of the disciples in a locked room. Just prior to this account, John has told us of the discovery of the empty tomb which is discovered firstly by Mary Magdala then by Peter and John. The implication is clear: In this absence, they discover – or at least, begin to discover – his presence among them. That implication becomes explicit in the Gospel today. But there is more to the interplay of absence and presence here. Thomas is absent and demands that he experience the presence of the Lord. “Eight days later,” Thomas has his demand satisfied. He responds: “My Lord and MY God!”
Consideration of our human experience of presence can be a useful way to approach the mystery of the resurrection.
Think of a mother present to her newborn baby, gazing at the infant’s face, of a husband and wife present to each other when they have grown in their love over many years, of an adult present at the bedside of a dying parent who is incapable of being present in return, except that their very being, full of so many memories, is about to enter the greatest mystery of all.
This sort of presence is about being rather than doing. It demands surrender, patience, and waiting with the other. Silence is often more appropriate than speech. The rational mind can get in the way. We are unable to be present in this way only to the extent that we have been purged of our egotisms and self-interest. There is no “why?” to this presence; it just is. Something much bigger than us is here – another Presence. The moment belongs to that Presence.
There is a paradox for Thomas. After he touches the wounds of Jesus, he becomes aware of . . . what? This is not the physical presence he had known as they walked the dusty paths of Palestine. Jesus prompts Thomas: “‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’” The Presence of the Risen Lord is not limited to this or that way of encounter. His Presence cannot be contained by any creed or ideology or culture or teaching. His Presence imbues the whole of creation but transcends all that we know or can imagine. His Presence is the fulfilling of the promise: “I will be with you as who I am shall I be there” – see Exodus 3:1-12. His Presence is always here, always now.
Journal and reflect on the following
When have you experienced someone's presence in a way that went beyond words or actions?How did that moment change you?
Thomas struggled with doubt and needed a physical sign.When have you needed reassurance in your faith journey, and how did God respond?
The Gospel suggests that absence can reveal presence.Where in your life have you discovered God’s presence most strongly after experiencing a loss or emptiness?
Presence demands surrender, patience, and silence.What areas of your life challenge your ability to be fully present to others or to God?
How does reflecting on the mystery of the Resurrection deepen your understanding of God's unconditional presence in your daily life?
Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's unseen presence?
If God’s Presence transcends all that we know—beyond culture, teachings, and ideologies—how might you open your heart more widely to encounter God in new or unexpected ways?
Discuss with your family and community.
Song - Hold on to me
Final Prayer Lord Jesus, You come to us even when the doors of our hearts are locked with fear, doubt, or sorrow. Like Thomas, we long to see You, to touch Your wounds, and to believe more deeply in Your Presence among us. Teach us to trust even when we cannot see, to recognise Your love moving silently through the ordinary and sacred moments of our lives. Open our hearts to the mystery of Your Resurrection that fills all of creation with hope and life. Breathe Your Spirit into us, so that we may live each day with the quiet confidence that You are always here, always now, calling us to love, to surrender, and to believe. Amen.
(Audio Available)
