Msgr. Peter Waslo Presides at Thomas Sunday Liturgy in Cherry Hill, Reflects on Faith and Encounter with Christ

On Thomas Sunday, April 12, the first Sunday after Pascha, Msgr. Peter Waslo presided over the Divine Liturgy for the faithful gathered in Cherry Hill, offering a homily centered on the Apostle Thomas, the nature of belief, and the personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on the Gospel account, Msgr. Waslo drew attention to the figure of Thomas, who is often remembered for his doubt, yet also reveals a deeper sincerity in his desire to understand and follow Christ. Referring to the earlier account of the raising of Lazarus, he noted Thomas’ words, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him,” highlighting a readiness to remain with Christ even in uncertainty.

Turning to the post-Resurrection encounter, Msgr. Waslo recalled Thomas’ insistence on seeing and touching Christ’s wounds before believing. He connected this to Christ’s response in the Gospel: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Addressing the faithful, he emphasized that this blessing extends to Christians today, “Here we are, 2,000 years later… we are blessed because we believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord, God, and Savior.”

In his homily, Msgr. Waslo also addressed the reality of doubt in the life of faith. Sharing a pastoral encounter, he recounted how a woman once approached him with questions about her faith. He encouraged sincerity in such moments, noting that questioning, when genuine, can lead to deeper faith rather than departure from it.

He further invited the faithful to reflect on their own experience of encountering Christ, pointing to the sacraments as real and ongoing moments of communion with Him. “In our baptism, confirmation, confession, the Eucharist… these are encounters with Jesus Christ,” he said, underscoring that such encounters shape and sustain the Christian life.

Emphasizing the transformative nature of the Eucharist, Msgr. Waslo reminded the faithful that receiving Holy Communion is not only a personal act of devotion but also a call to mission. “When we receive communion… we become Jesus Christ. We go out into the world to live this life,” he said, encouraging the faithful to witness through their daily actions — with love, kindness, and courage.

Concluding his homily, Msgr. Waslo called the faithful to live with joy and gratitude, mindful of their identity as children of God and witnesses to the Resurrection. “Let us be joyful people… thankful that God has called us to be sons and daughters of the Father, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.”