The Second Sunday of Easter
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, (Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, painted 1601 - 02) is an oil painting housed in the Sanssouci Picture Gallery, in Postsdam Germany.
This Sunday’s Gospel is perhaps the first documented case of FOMO – the “fear of missing out” and the anxiety it causes. Thomas was not present at Christ’s first appearance and stubbornly refused to believe “unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side.”
Caravaggio captures the moment when Thomas, at Christ’s invitation, puts his hand into Christ’s side. Upon first looking at the painting, we are drawn immediately to Thomas’ astonished face in the centre. Our eyes then follow his to the wound in the side of Christ where Thomas is inserting his finger. The light shines from the left side of the painting illuminating Christ’s body while his head remains in the shadows. The focus is on the moment where it registers with Thomas that this is truly the risen Lord. Christ steadies Thomas’ arm affirming this intrusive action and Thomas’ response becomes the statement of faith uttered for all: “My Lord and my God!”
This, the Second Sunday of Easter, is also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. How fitting a pairing as we witness the mercy and compassion of Jesus lavished upon his friend Thomas. May we too, when we have denied Christ through our actions, have the courage to call upon the Divine Mercy of God.
For further facts on this painting see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUXXPF-PmtI
For a reflection on the Divine Mercy and St. Thomas see: https://media.ascensionpress.com/2020/04/18/unfathomable-divine-mercy-and-the-doubting-thomas/
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