In a courtroom, witnesses attest to the truth of an event. Not a subjective interpretation, but truth based on a factual, physical encounter with the senses, an accumulation of sight and sound, sometimes smell, taste and touch. Jury members weren’t present so they must judge witnesses’ believability. How detailed were the observers’ visions, what sounds did they hear? 

The senses are emphasized here to proclaim the factual reality of the Word of life: “seen,” “looked upon,” “visible,” “heard,” “touched.” Eternal life is not an opinion or idea, but a tangible actuality, something to be experienced and felt. When Thomas believed in Jesus it was because he saw and felt him in person. We’re asked to be jury and believe witness testimony — that the writer saw, heard and felt the living God. Believing is unity and oneness, the palpable body of Christ.

Today, how can we use our hands, mouths, voices to bear witness to the truth? What physical work can we complete in the service of God? 

—Laura Asplund is the Business Manager at Queen of All Saints School, the Roman Catholic elementary school of Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., where she was blessed to know Fr. Albert Bischoff, SJ, who ministered to the Catholic students on campus and called everyone “saint.”

Lord, help me to overcome my lack of faith, my numbness in navigating the challenges of the world. Awaken my senses to outwardly praise and thank you and to walk in the steps of your sacrifice.

—Laura Asplund