Many years ago when I was a second year pupil in school I found myself in a science class. I had no interest in the subject and didn’t really want to be there. So I used to take refuge in pleasant daydreaming. One day, noticing my faraway expression, the science teacher said to me: “Do you understand what I have just explained to the class?” “No,” I replied: “I don’t understand.” Then I thought I ought to say something nice to the teacher and said: “But I believe you, Miss Hanrattty.” Well, that was quite the wrong thing to say in a science class! She almost shouted back at me: “You don’t believe anything in science class; you have to prove everything.”

Down the centuries Thomas has been labelled ‘doubting Thomas’. It’s a bit harsh really, because the thing about him was that he had the mind of a scientist! In fact, it has recently been suggested that he should be declared patron saint of scientists! His stance was: “People don’t rise from the dead. That has been proved many times over. Therefore, unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger into the place of the nails and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” It seems that it would not have been enough for him to see Jesus – he had to touch, handle and feel the very holes in his body. He had to have his proof!

 

by Éilis Ní Thiarnaigh