On the evening of Easter Sunday, Jesus makes his appearance to the disciples, though Thomas is absent.  It is only one week later when Jesus appears again.  During this intervening week, what did the other disciples say to Thomas?  Why was he obstinate in the face of their witness?  Thomas experienced Jesus throughout his earthly ministry and heard the eyewitness testimony of his friends.   Still, his lack of belief persisted.  Only a personal experience of the risen Christ would melt away his doubt.  Such is a model of how individuals come to faith.  Sometimes, like Thomas, despite all the testimony of believers, faith does not take root unless one personally encounters the risen Christ.