As I reflected on our scripture readings for this weekend, I found a line from the familiar hymn, “Eye Has Not Seen” playing in my head – “To those who see with eyes of faith the Lord is ever near.” While St. Thomas may have been slow to believe, earning himself the nickname “Doubting Thomas” he quickly moved from unbelief to belief. In fact, St. Thomas was the first to proclaim the divinity of Jesus with his proclamation, “My Lord and my God.” In an instant, the cloud of doubt and fear was lifted for Thomas, and he was able to see with eyes of faith.
St. Thomas is a great role model for us. Doubt is a natural part of faith. Sometimes doubting and questioning can lead us to a deeper understanding and enable us to replace superficial beliefs with a profound insight which leads us closer to God. Faith is not a straight line that we walk. Baptism and Confirmation do not magically give us understanding, but they are important steps on our journey, as are all the sacraments.
In life, most of us encounter difficulties and experience challenges which may cause us to question our faith or perhaps even God’s love for us. At one point or another, many of us have asked “Why me” or wondered how God could let something painful happen in our lives. Unfortunately, for some, that doubt leads to unbelief and the questioning stops. However, if we continue to question, we open ourselves to receive an answer, to experience God’s healing love.
In our gospel reading today, we encounter Jesus offering peace and breathing his love on the disciples, instilling in them the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we continue our journey of faith together, may we breathe deeply of the love Jesus gives to us so that we can boldly proclaim “My Lord and my God.” May we continue to question and ponder the truths of our faith so that they can become for us profound beliefs that carry us through the challenges we encounter along the way and lead us more fully into the loving arms of our Risen Lord.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.