Jesus wasn’t just a carpenter by trade, but a master planner. We can see the brilliance of how he designed the foundation of his kingdom with the luxury of hindsight, but at the time his plan was unfolding, the people he surrounded himself with were completely flummoxed by it. They wouldn’t get it until after Jesus’ earthly mission was finished and it was time for them to take over and live the plan. They didn’t realize it, but Jesus was training them all along. For example, in denying Jesus three times, Peter not only fulfilled Jesus’ prophesy, but Peter realized that everything else Jesus said was about to happen. This epiphany was what he needed to become “the rock” that Jesus intended him to be.
In this Sunday’s gospel from John 20:19-31 we read about another disciple whose name was symbolic of his place in the Master’s plan. Thomas means “twin,” and in his disbelief that Jesus rose from the dead, we can all see a mirror image of ourselves. How often does our faith fail us during bad times and, like Thomas, we ask God for proof that he’s there?
In the first reading from Acts 2:42-47 we see how God reveals himself to us: through each other.
“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common.”
Through our common belief and service to each other, we become each other’s twin. We reflect God to one another, and like Thomas, we are awed as we recognize “My Lord and my God.”
Peter the Rock reveals Thomas our Twin through the second reading (Peter 1:3-9):
“Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
As long as we sustain each other’s faith by reflecting Jesus’ presence we are playing an active part in his plan of salvation.