It is worth noting that only when “Doubting Thomas” returns to the community of the Apostles—the Church—that Jesus appears to him and reveals to him His resurrected body along with His wounds. And what does Saint Thomas receive from Christ after abandoning Him? Condemnation? No. On the contrary, he is given the gift of communion with Christ in forgiveness and peace!

This extraordinary encounter between Saint Thomas and the risen Lord should resonate strongly with our own experiences in recovery where we have received similar gifts of acceptance, understanding, and forgiveness as well as support from recovery fellowship, the sacramental life of the Church, and our families and friends. As Catholics, as a eucharistic people, our most fundamental mode of worship is gratitude: “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy” (Preface, EP II). When we recognize the gifts of faith, hope, and love that we have been given, when we embrace just how relentlessly we are pursued and loved by the Lord, then the only proper response is gratitude. We should fall to our knees with Saint Thomas and confess, “My Lord and my God!”

As we continue our daily journey in recovery, let us take heart from what Christ says directly to us so wonderfully in the Upper Room:

“Jesus said to [Saint Thomas], ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed’” (John 20:29).

Saint Thomas, pray for us.

Reflection Questions

• How have you been like “Doubting Thomas” in your faith and recovery? In CIR, we say that true fellowship comes from honesty, openness, and a willingness to share our wounds with one another. How are you “Christ-like” when you reveal your wounds to another seeking help and how have others been “Christ-like” to you?
• Recall moments in your addiction(s) and in your recovery work when you recognized the real presence of God in your life and could confess in awe and reverence, “My Lord and my God!”

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117:1bc, 2
Gospel: John 20:24-29

Reflection by Pete S.