It is this disciple who testifies to these things

**media[17517]**REFLECTIONS TODAYUnlike the doubting Thomas, the beloved disciple John records many intimate and important teachings he learned from his Master Jesus, though not all are written in his book. It is easy to blame or hate Thomas for not believing that Jesus, their Master, was alive and that he appeared to his companions. But once we realize the “trauma” that the disciples had gone through— feeling bitterly disappointed and even disillusioned by the cruel end of their Master—we can understand it would not be easy for someone who did not see the “evidence” to believe. Thomas is representative of each one of us. Once disappointed or even feeling “duped,” it is very difficult for us to trust again. And so, Jesus has to help Thomas (to) learn to trust again, and then, to lead him to a deeper understanding of what true faith is: it is deeper when one shows it without having seen proofs or evidence. On the other hand, John testifies to the things he has seen and heard with the eyes and ears of faith. As the Letter to the Hebrews rightly says, “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (11:1). Do we find it hard to believe when we do not see proof? Again, let us beg for the grace of genuine faith: the ability to see with the heart that which is invisible, as the Little Prince reminds us.Gospel • John 21:20-25 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025.” E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.