Second Sunday of Pascha (Apostle Thomas)

Beginning with this first Sunday after Pascha, the Church dedicates every Sunday of the year to the Lord’s Resurrection.

The second Sunday of Easter is known as Thomas Sunday. This week we are called to have faith in the Resurrection of Christ. When Jesus first appeared to his disciples, Thomas was not present and therefore doubted their words and experience. A week later, Jesus appeared to his disciples again, this time with Thomas present. He implored Thomas to stop doubting and to believe and offered forth His wounds. When St. Thomas touched the Life-giving side of the Lord, he no longer had any doubts.

“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20: 19-31

Through the example of St. Thomas, we are reminded that though we may often sin and fall short of the glory of God, Christ reminds us that He is always ready to forgive us.