by Mark Escobar

Created on: May 22, 2008

Though locked doors, despite the disciples' fear, beyond their doubting and disbelief, the risen Jesus came and "stood in their midst" not just once, but twice.

Days ago I came across in the New York Times newspaper the news article about the Rutgers University women's basketball team (Rutgers Scarlet Knights), Piscataway, N.J. who were derided on the air as "nappy-headed ho's" (ho is the new bitch and the bitch is the old sissy) by Mr Don Imus, the NBC News and CBS Radio host. That prompted the public outrage and critics said that over the years Mr. Imus had already shown a pattern of racially charged remarks. Their tales of personal pains won the sympathy of the media that made Mr. Imus apologize on the public airwaves. As a consequence, he was suspended by both NBC News and CBS Radio for his offensive remarks.

But there were also some insightful commentaries that defend Mr Imus that he had apologized already and that should be enough. According to them, he should not have to denigrate himself further. Doubts and furor continued to surface from both sides. However, Gov. Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey, a former high school basketball player, who had attended the Final Four in Cleveland, said in a statement: "What we must do now is address this situation as a community. We must start a dialogue that not only helps to heal the wounds that this type of hateful language renews, but also brings us to a better place as a society."

In the gospel today, we hear the reaction of the disciples and that of Thomas, in particular. It's not a reaction to that offensive remark by Mr. Imus about the Rutgers women's basketball team but their reactions to the risen Jesus. Some believe that Jesus has risen, others don't. Like John the Beloved believes when he sees the garments left in the tomb. Mary Magdalene believes when Jesus calls her by name and immediately she recognizes him calls him Rabbouni. Then he tells the other disciples that she saw their Master.

But in spite of that, the disciples still can not believe that their Lord has risen. However, one time Jesus appears to them as they hide in fear at the upper room in Jerusalem. His gift of "peace" enables them to believe as Jesus breathes on them. It happens that Thomas is not with them when Jesus comes. He's very adamant to welcome the testimony of his co-disciples that they have seen the Lord. He declares that he will not believe until he is able to touch the Lord's wounds, i.e. "see the mark of the nails in his hands

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