MY LORD AND MY GOD
There are different shades of meaning for the words ‘Lord’ and ‘God’. The term ‘God’ comes from the Hebrew ‘Elohim’ and the Greek ‘Theos’, representing the all-powerful Creator who sustains the universe. The word ‘Lord’ originates from the Hebrew ‘Adonai’ and the Greek ‘Kurios,’ often translated as Yahweh (Jehovah). Yahweh is the personal God who interacts with humanity, such as forming Adam from clay, conversing with the first parents, and making covenants with His people. In the Old Testament, both ‘Elohim’ and ‘Yahweh’ are used to refer to the Almighty. For example, Psalm 35:23 states, “My God and my Lord.”
The disciples usually addressed Jesus as ‘the Lord’, which could mean someone of higher rank or the ‘Son of God’. In Matthew 16:16, Simon Peter acknowledges Jesus, saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus claimed divinity, which led to accusations of blasphemy from Jewish authorities. However, it was Thomas who, upon encountering the risen Jesus, proclaimed, “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20:28). This declaration signified that Thomas recognized Jesus not only as his Lord but also as the mighty God. By witnessing the resurrected Jesus, Thomas affirmed the divinity of Christ, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier statement in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Catholic Teachings
Catholic teachings confirm this understanding of Jesus’ divinity. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 464), Jesus Christ is true God and true man. This belief in the true Incarnation of the Son of God is a hallmark of Christian faith. The Church teaches that Jesus became truly man while remaining truly God, an essential doctrine celebrated in various Church teachings and liturgies (CCC 464).
Catholic reflections on Thomas’ declaration emphasize its importance. Thomas’ exclamation, “My Lord and my God,” is not merely a personal confession but a profound theological statement recognizing Jesus’ divine nature. This moment highlights the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ and invites all believers to deepen their faith.
REFLECTION
People of various beliefs consider Jesus differently. However, as Christians, we recognize Him as our Lord and God. Our profession of faith is crucial, and the Church encourages us to proclaim it in our prayers. A faith-based life leads to eternal salvation.
In conclusion, Thomas’ declaration, “My Lord and my God,” encapsulates a journey of faith from doubt to belief. It reminds us that recognizing Jesus as both Lord and God is central to our Christian faith. As we reflect on this profound truth, let us strive to live out our faith with conviction and trust in Jesus’ divine presence in our lives.
As we reflect on Thomas’ profound declaration, “My Lord and my God,” let us be inspired to deepen our own faith and relationship with Jesus. In our modern world, filled with doubts and challenges, we are called to be like Thomas – to move from uncertainty to unwavering belief.
Remember that our faith is not blind but is built on the testimony of those who encountered the risen Christ and on our own personal experiences of God’s love and grace in our lives. Let us strive to recognize Jesus as both our Lord – the one who guides and directs our lives, and our God – the divine being worthy of our worship and total devotion.
May we, like Thomas, have the courage to proclaim Jesus as our Lord and God, not just with our words, but through our actions. Let our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s love and resurrection. In doing so, we become living witnesses to the truth of the Gospel, drawing others to the light of Christ.
As we journey through life, facing its joys and challenges, let us hold fast to this truth: Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, is with us always. May this conviction strengthen us, comfort us, and inspire us to live lives worthy of our calling as followers of Christ.