The apostle Thomas was not there when the risen Jesus appeared in the Upper Room. He was probably separated from the rest and hid in another location. Though we consider Thomas the doubter, we see here that his stipulation to touch the wounds of the Lord was answered. The risen Jesus initiated the response to Thomas' demands of the previous week, just as the risen Jesus initiated the discussion on the road to Emmaus. On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples took time to recognise Jesus. However, in the Upper Room, the response of Thomas was immediate and reverential. He declared publicly before Jesus, "My Lord and my God." Do we recall a time when God responded to our seeking? How did we answer?

Our deep gratitude must go to Thomas, and the multitude of saints and martyrs, who are the foundation stones in the household of God. Like them, we too must become built up with Christ as the cornerstone. Statues, portraits and engraved names remind us of the stones that make up a holy edifice. However, the communion of saints, by their lives and witness, which calls us to a deeper union in Christ, are living stones of God's holy Church. Some of these men, women and children have shed their blood for us. In like manner, before Jesus went to His death, Thomas pledged his courage by stating, "Let us also go to die with Him" (Jn 11:16).