Acts 4:32-35 | Ps 118 | 1 Jn 5:1-6 | Jn 20:19-31

In the ongoing quest to become better parents, moms and dads often find a great deal of reassurance in books, whose authors advocate a whole-child approach that honors the totality of who children are. In recent studies, the most important task of parenting has been communicated as “showing up.” This means being actively present to one’s children and finding creative ways to make them feel safe, seen, and soothed. The result is a secure attachment that wires their brains for optimal development and fosters social and emotional intelligence. There’s a fascinating dialogue to be had between today’s gospel and the field of neuroscience and child psychology. In this gospel, Jesus shows up. He shows up in an unexpected and mysterious way, but he shows up.

Thomas is someone who wants to alleviate his anxiety with research. He wants hard evidence before he will give up his fear. And Jesus shows up for him. He will ultimately offer Thomas the evidence he craves, but he does something else first. Like a good parent, Jesus has perceived a need that has not even been articulated. He sees the disciples’ fear, their locked doors, and he offers what they haven’t even thought to ask for. Jesus offers peace, meeting the unspoken need that underlies Thomas’ request.

Jesus shows up for us, too, even if not always in the ways we would choose. We have to train our eyes to see it. But Jesus does show up—in the beauty of nature that calls us outside as the northern hemisphere turns back toward the sun; in the reassuring presence of a loving friend; and, of course, in the sacraments we celebrate as a Church.

The secure attachment fostered by parents showing up serves an important purpose. Despite older folk wisdom about parenting, being attentive to children and their feelings doesn’t make them entitled or spoiled or overly attached. Children whose parents are present are not less able to enter the real world when the times comes. It is, in fact, the kids with secure attachments who feel most empowered to explore the world, to take measured risks, and to say yes to opportunities. “Secure base,” “safe harbor,” and “launching pad” are all terms to describe the role of parents in a child’s life; and the message is clear: parents show up for their children unconditionally, making themselves a place of safety, precisely so that they can send them out.

Likewise, Jesus shows up for us so that we might be sent out. Jesus gives to us so that we might be generous to others. Every time the Mass is celebrated, Jesus shows up, regardless of our efforts at music or preaching or liturgical aesthetics. The gift is unconditional and undeserved. We can rest in its safety. But it doesn’t exist merely for rest; it exists for mission.

The first reading’s community of believers shows an organic response to experiencing Christ’s presence. They have

successfully let go of the fear that makes us cling to possessions and money and whatever else the world promises will keep bad things from happening to us. In an inspiring way, their detachment to their possessions loosens and detangles. They instead focus on caring for each other, making Christ’s love more visible. When they show up for each other, Christ shows up ever more clearly.

Christ shows up for us, and our job in turn is to show up for others. We make Christ present in places of need by going there ourselves. Some of us minister where needs are obvious: with people living in poverty, with people who are sick. Sometimes our ministry is quieter: we show up for a difficult relative or for our own beloved, but very needy, children, young and old.

Whatever our particular call, Christ goes with us. He continues to show up and to provide for our every need, whether or not we ever choose to make them known.