WHITE HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT

St. Louis, MO 63129

1-800-643-1003

Jesuit retreat center high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO.  Since 1922, thousands of people from around the world make annual three-day silent, guided retreats here to relax, reconnect with God and strengthen their spirituality.  A true gem in the Midwest!  Call 314-416-6400 or 1-800-643-1003.  Email reservations@whretreat.org  7400 Christopher Rd.  St. Louis, MO 63129

Both men's and women's retreats are offered as well as recovery retreats.

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Weekend Reflections for 4/26/19

April 23, 2019  /  Joe Parisi

Doubting Thomas 

In Sunday’s Gospel we hear of Jesus’ appearance to his apostles in the locked room. They were hiding there from those who had crucified Jesus. For some reason Thomas wasn’t there. When he returned, the others told him about Jesus’ visit but Thomas refuses to believe that Jesus is alive. He puts down specific conditions for his belief: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” His doubt got him a personal appearance from Jesus; he came back for him and for us. He offers Thomas his hands and side and says Go ahead and fulfill your conditions. The text doesn’t say whether Thomas put his finger and hand into Jesus’ wounds but I don’t think he did. He didn’t have to. This was Jesus treating Thomas the way he always had, putting himself at Thomas’ disposal. His mind, heart and soul knew it was the living Jesus and he professed, “My Lord and my God!”

The Risen Lord deals with us in the same way, calling us to belief in his loving power and presence in our lives. May we join Thomas in our profession of faith.

Fr. Ralph Huse, S.J.