St Thomas and the Marks of the Nail

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirteenth Week : Wednesday*

*Feast of St Thomas the Apostle: July 3rd*

*Gospel : Jn 20:24–29*

*First Reading : Eph 2:19–22*

*St Thomas and the Marks of the Nail*

*1) Marks of Nail on Jesus' Body*

One of the powerful symbols which we find in the body of Jesus is the marks of the Nails

These marks remind us 

The crucifixion of Jesus 

The death of Jesus on the Cross

The Cruelty, which was done against Jesus 

The Risen Christ was the same crucified Christ 

So these marks have lots of Significance

*2) St Thomas on the Marks of the Nails*

The marks of the nails are mentioned in the context of the appearance of the Risen Christ 

St Thomas wanted to make it sure that the Risen Christ is the Same crucified Jesus on the Cross

So he tells the other disciples, who saw Jesus * *“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”*

So the marks of the nails on the body of Jesus are the wonderful proofs for the crucified and Risen Christ

*3) Marks of the Nails are visible on the Risen Christ*

One of the powerful symbols which we see in Risen Christ is the Marks of the nails 

In fact Jesus uses them in various occasions to confirm that He is the same person who was crucified by the Romans 

There were many people who believed in the Risen Christ by seeing the marks of the nails 

For centuries or for eternity, these marks will proclaim the identity of the Crucified Christ

*4) Thomas and the Marks of the Nail*

It was the desire of Thomas to see the marks of the nails on the body of Jesus 

Accordingly Jesus gave him a chance not only to see the marks, but to have personal encounter with the Lord, through these marks

These marks of the nails changed the doubt of Thomas and made him a strong believer 

These marks made Thomas a strong follower of Jesus, who finally became a great martyr for Jesus

These marks made Thomas to proclaim Risen Christ with great determination and conviction

These marks made Thomas to think about His own unbelief and to Change is life completely

*5) Thomas became the Marks of the nail for others*

Thomas believed seeing the marks of the nails in the body of Jesus 

Later wherever Thomas went, His life became a symbol of the Marks of the nails, who could communicate the same Risen Lord, through his preaching and ministry

*6) The present day Marks of the nails of the Risen Lord*

The Eucharist 

The service 

Forgiveness

Love, Humility

Generosity

Truthfulness

Simplicity

Sacrifice 

*7) Marks of the Nails*

They are not fancy things 

They are the real symbols of love, sacrifice, pain, suffering, humiliations, sacrificing ones life for another, forgiveness, and victory

To have marks of the nails, in our body is a great honour.

But it needs hardwork, sincerity, sacrifice and facing all the challenges

*8) Marks of the Nail in my Life*

What marks of the nails I have in my life? 

Like Jesus what marks can I show to the other? 

Have I realised the worth of the marks of the nail in my life?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*