The Character of Thomas - Invitation to Handle the Bread of Life.

"Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:27 Here we are shown moments in time when the Lord's concern for Thomas was revealed. The Master would not allow Thomas to continue in disbelief. Thomas had a great mission ahead of him. Among all of his beloved disciples, only Thomas was not able to enjoy the joy of Resurrection yet. The Lord knew the mind of Thomas. He did not want to lose Thomas. The Lord's love for Thomas is revealed in the words "Reach here with your finger..." No other disciple is extended this invitation. To Touch the Risen Lord! To Touch the Bread of Life. To Touch the glorified Resurrected Body! The same Lord who told Mary Magdalene not to "touch" him is now asking Thomas to do just that. As John testifies later in his epistle, that which was from the beginning and which they(he) had "handled" (1 John 1:1), Thomas is being invited to "handle" that very same Word of Life that became manifested in humanity. This same Word of Life is being handled by the priests and High Priests and placed into our open mouths during the Holy Qurbana. In that solemn moment, Thomas stands between the Lord and the rest of the community of Apostles as representing them on being "invited to handle" the Word of Life. True it was his original disbelief that brought this about, but the symbolic invitation is being representative of an invitation to all for "handling" the Bread of Life. Through Thomas, all were invited. Thomas's character is being shaped by this one to one conversation with the Lord.If there was any hint of disbelief or doubt, it vanishes from the very being of Thomas during this conversation. Praise the God of Thomas for appearing there for the sake of Thomas. Character of Thomas : Burning Desire to meet the Lord Src: ICON