Saturday, March 28, 2026
It has always seemed unfortunate to me that a man grieving the brutal death of a friend has, for centuries, been remembered chiefly as a “doubter.”
We forget that when Jesus announced he was returning to Jerusalem—where danger surely awaited—it was Thomas alone who urged the others,
“Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)
That is not doubt.
That is courage.
And later, when the Risen Christ stood before them, it was Thomas alone who spoke the words that remains among the clearest confessions of faith:
“My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28)
Here is a faith born in friendship. A faith shaped by love that persists even when the heart is broken. A faith that dares to speak even when the mystery is beyond understanding.
In today's gospel (John 11:45-46) we learn of the Pharisees plot to kill Jesus. Tomorrow, Jesus enters Jerusalem. Will we go with him, as Thomas did?
Perhaps we want to. Yet the sober wisdom of Fr. Daniel Berrigan, SJ, quickly steadies our enthusiasm. He once remarked,
“If you want to follow Jesus, you better look good on wood.”
It is hard to know whether any of us truly “looks good on wood.”
But we can know something else.
We can know whether we carry the willingness:
to stand where love asks us to stand,
to face the hard work, deep prayer, and real sacrifice
that fidelity to the Gospel sometimes asks of us—
for the sake of justice,
for the sake of others,
and for the sake of love.
Today, speak with the Lord about your willingness, or unwillingness.
Begin where you are for there is no other place from which to begin your journey.