Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year B

Today we hear the story of the risen Lord appearing to his disciples who have gathered behind locked doors. However, Thomas is not with them on this occasion. When Jesus appears a second time we have the deeply moving encounter between Christ and his doubting disciple, and the gentle but firm way in which the Lord brings Thomas to faith. Jesus then proclaims the demanding ideal of unconditional faith: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”