Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of John 20:19-31

Dear friends in Christ,

There once was a man named David. For over twenty years, he had built a solid career—an expert in his field, respected, reliable, always the first to arrive and the last to leave. But then, without warning, he was let go. At first, David was sure another job would come quickly; after all, he had experience and skills. But weeks turned to months, and door after door closed in his face.

In that long season of waiting, as uncertainty crept in, David’s wife Anne was diagnosed with a serious illness. Suddenly, the reason for his unemployment became clear. God had placed him at home for this very moment—to care for Anne, to be her rock, to offer comfort only a loving husband could give. David surrendered his anxiety and whispered, “Jesus, I trust in You.” In time, Anne’s health improved, and David was led to a new job, one that allowed him to help not only his family, but others in need, too. Looking back, he saw God’s hand guiding him, every step of the way, through disappointment to hope.

From Fear and Doubt to Faith and Trust: The Journey of Thomas and the Disciples

This story, friends, is not so different from the journey of the disciples in our Gospel today. They are locked away in fear, their lives turned upside down by loss and bewilderment. Jesus, the one they trusted, had died. Their hopes seemed finished. Yet into that locked room, Jesus appears, speaking words that must have sounded almost impossible: “Peace be with you.” He shows them His wounds—the marks of His suffering and love—and the disciples rejoice. But Thomas isn’t there. When the others tell him, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas cannot bring himself to believe. Maybe he’s protecting himself from more heartbreak. Maybe he’s just being honest about his doubts.

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A Reflection on the Gospel of John 11:3-7,17,20-27,33b-45

Dear friends in Christ,

There was a man named Michael who lived in our neighborhood. For years, he felt trapped tied down by the mistakes of his past, weighed down by guilt and shame. He carried the heavy burden of sin, isolating himself from those who loved him, convinced he was beyond forgiveness. One day, out of curiosity and a flicker of hope, Michael walked into our parish church. He sat quietly during Mass, hearing words of mercy and love that seemed to reach deep inside him.

After Mass, he went to confession—his heart pounding with fear and hope—and poured out his soul. The priest’s words, “Your sins are forgiven,” washed over him like a refreshing river. Michael felt a lightness he hadn’t known in years. From that day forward, he dedicated his life to helping others who felt the same chains of sin tighten around them. He became a living example of the Gospel’s promise: “Untie him and let him go.”

Jesus Calls Us to Freedom: From the Tomb of Death to the Light of New Life

Today’s Gospel tells us the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus loved deeply. When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters sent word to Jesus, hoping for a miracle. Yet Jesus stayed two more days before going to Judea, where Lazarus was already in the tomb. When Jesus called Lazarus out, the man emerged—still bound hand and foot with burial cloths. Jesus commanded, “Untie him and let him go.” This command is not just about freeing Lazarus from physical bonds but serves as a profound symbol of liberation from the bonds of sin and death.

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