"And after eight days His disciples were again within, and Thomas with them; Jesus cometh, the door being shut, and stood in the midst and said: Peace be to you."How did He enter, all doors being shut? Behold He is in the midst of them, in medio eorum; the Shepherd with His flock. At the sight of Jesus in His glory, at the sound of His voice, what a thrill of joy went through them! "Then He saith to Thomas—" Why is he the first to draw the Lord's attention? Peter and John were there; Mary herself, they say, was there. Jesus spoke to none of these. He ignores the dignity of some present, but takes heed of the one who stands in need of His mercy. In this instance we see the heart of Jesus, as shown in the parables of the prodigal son and the good shepherd: He leaves the ninety-nine in the desert, and goeth after the one that hath perished. "Son, thou art always with me; but thy brother was dead and is come to life." (Luke, xv. 31, 32.) "Draw near to Me, faithless disciple, thou art so dear to Me, I will not consent that thou shouldst go to perdition. I will comply with thy request. Behold, here are the hands that have healed the sick, and lavished blessings upon the people. Here are the feet that were so eager to run after the stray sheep; here is the heart that was opened by the lance. Behold, and if to see Me is not enough, touch Me; put thy finger into My hands, bring hither thy hand and put it into My side, plunge it into that heart that loves thee still, and be not incredulous, but faithful: Put in thy finger hither, and bring hither thy hand and put it into My side; and be not incredulous, but faithful." O unutterable compassion! O sweet mercy! O surpassing tenderness! Priests of God, do you thus welcome the poor sinner?"
Link (here) to the mentioned meditation.
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