In this reading Thomas overcomes his reluctance to believe, giving the fullest declaration of faith in Christ found anywhere in the gospels. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’
Today we read John’s account of the discovery of the empty tomb – he is convinced of the resurrection without even seeing the risen Jesus. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’
According to Matthew, the death of the Son of God heralds new life, not only for Jesus and the saints who sleep in death but for all of us. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am the resurrection and the life’
Just as the healing of the man born blind was a ‘work of God’, inviting faith, similarly the raising of Lazarus in this week’s reading shows the ‘glory of God’ and strengthens faith. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am the light of the world’
In this reading we are reminded that, like the man born blind, we too have the opportunity of seeing again, seeing with greater clarity. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Anyone who drinks the water that I shall give will never be thirsty again’
The Samaritan woman’s journey towards understanding in this week’s reading reflects our own journey of faith. Fr Adrian Graffy writes.
‘This is my Son, the Beloved’
In this reading, the experience of the transfiguration gives the three chosen disciples a glimpse of something beyond the suffering and death that awaits Jesus. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘You must not put the Lord your God to the test’
In this reading we see Jesus submit to the challenge of evil. He is tempted, as through his humanity he has the same power of choice that we have, but does not succumb. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’
In this reading Jesus presents us with a stern challenge: to love our enemies and endure without retaliating when evil is done to us. We have to make God’s compassion and love the measure of our actions. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I have come not to abolish but to complete them’
Having challenged the inadequate ‘virtue’ of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus shows how his teaching deepens the scriptural tradition of Jewish faith. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.