Week 01 — April 12-18 — Doubting Thomas
A Disciple Trusts
In Week One of this series, the Gospel shows the great compassion of Jesus as well as his playfulness. He appears to the apostles who abandoned him and left him all alone at the cross and then says to them, "Peace be with you." He shows his wounds to them and then to Thomas, challenging him to believe.
OPENING PRAYER
Risen Lord Jesus, We thank You for gathering us together today. Just as You entered the room where the disciples were hiding, we ask You to enter this space now. You know the fears, doubts, disappointments, and questions each of us carries. Nothing about our hearts surprises You.
As we reflect on Your Word, quiet our distractions and open us to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest about where we struggle and courageous enough to trust You more deeply. Speak Your peace over us as You did to the disciples.
We invite Your presence into this time together. May it be fruitful and glorify You.
Amen.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS WEEKEND'S READINGS
First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Responsorial: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31
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INSIGHT FROM OUR READINGS
Our readings reveal both the deep compassion and the gentle playfulness of Jesus. He appears to the apostles — the very men who abandoned Him and left Him alone at the Cross — and His first words to them are: “Peace be with you.” He shows them His wounds. Later, He invites Thomas to touch those wounds and challenges him to believe. Rather than scolding Thomas for his doubt, Jesus meets him directly in it. This moment reminds us that the risen Christ does not shame our doubts — He enters into them.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14: 27
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOG
- When have you experienced disappointment that shook your expectations?
- Do you let “peace be with you?” Are there ever times you give your peace over to the things of this world? (News? Relationships? Distractions?)
- What does Jesus’ greeting, “Peace be with you,” reveal about His character? How do you feel about that greeting?
- Do you relate more to Thomas or to the other disciples? Why?
- How does it change your view of God knowing He meets people in their doubts?
- What area of your life right now requires deeper trust?
- Pray Honestly- Bring your doubts, fears, and disappointments directly to Jesus. Don’t filter them. Ask Him to meet you in them just as He met Thomas.
- Pray intentionally for Peace in your heart, and peace in our world. Each day, ask Jesus to speak “Peace be with you” over your anxious thoughts or areas of uncertainty.
- Pray for Greater Faith- Use the simple prayer: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Ask Him to strengthen your trust where it feels weak.
- Open the Door Instead of Hiding- The disciples were behind locked doors. Identify one area where fear is causing you to hide and take a small step forward.
- Read Gospel of John 20:19–31 each day. Reflect on how Jesus interacts with people personally.
- Reach Out for Community- Share a struggle or doubt with a trusted Christian friend instead of carrying it alone
- Join us at SMIC for Divine Mercy service on 4/12 at 3pm.
- Share Your Story- Briefly tell someone about a time God met you in doubt or disappointment.
- Speak Peace- Offer calm, hopeful words to someone going through a hard season. Reflect Jesus’ greeting: “Peace be with you” in the way you encounter others this week.
- Model Trust in Difficulty- Let others see you choosing faith during uncertainty. Your quiet trust may strengthen someone else’s wavering heart.
INTERCESSIONS FOR THE GROUP
Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the Hearts of your small group members.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Thank You for meeting Thomas in his doubt and the disciples in their fear. Thank You that You meet us with the same patience and compassion. When we struggle to understand or when our faith feels weak, remind us that You are still near.
As we go into this week, help us to live with confidence in Your resurrection. Strengthen our trust where it is fragile. Replace anxiety with Your peace. And use our lives to encourage others who may also be wrestling with doubt.
We place our faith in You. Amen.
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