Sermon for Quasi Modo Geniti, 2025

We’re not told why Thomas wasn’t with the others in the Upper Room that evening as they huddled together in fear; perhaps he had a valid reason for his absence, and perhaps not. In any case, the point is that Thomas wasn’t there, and so he missed the day of the resurrection. 

Now, that’s significant because, just like him, you also weren’t there; you likewise missed the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus rose from the grave nearly two thousand years ago, so, of course, you weren’t there because you hadn’t even been born yet. Therefore, you have this in common with Thomas; he wasn’t there, and neither were you. 

As such, what happened for him on this Sunday, the Octave of Easter, is a wonderful foretaste of what happens to you every Sunday. Jesus appears again and says the very same words He said the week before, “Peace be with you.” Thomas heard those words that day. Just as you hear them today, for right after the Consecration, with the host and chalice in hand, I announce, “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” That’s because, in the Blessed Sacrament, you receive the true Body of Christ, which He gave into death, and the true Blood of Christ, which He shed for the forgiveness of your sins. In other words, in the Blessed Sacrament, you have Jesus’ sure and unmistakable word and testament that He has brokered peace between God and you. 

Readings:

• Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1-14

• Epistle: 1 John 5:4-10

• Holy Gospel: John 20:19-31

Sermon: