We are all probably very familiar with
today’s Gospel about Jesus appearing to Thomas and the other disciples, of
Thomas wanting to believe, but also needing to have concrete proof in order
that he could believe. How does Jesus
respond to Thomas’ demand for concrete proof? Did he castigate or criticize
Thomas for doubting? Did he tell him to have blind faith? Did he demand that Thomas believe on the basis
of the evidence he had already seen?
No, Jesus gave Thomas what he asked
for. He gave Thomas showed him the nail
marks in his hands. He let him touch his
hand and his side. Jesus did this so
that Thomas not be unbelieving, so that he could believe. Thomas
gets a bad rap in the way we remember him, in labeling him “Doubting Thomas.” Couldn’t he also be remembered as “Believing
Thomas,” as one who ultimately did believe and who followed down the road of
faith?
A few years ago, a friend sent me an
email written by a co-worker. It said
this: “I just don't understand...the more I search, the less I find. I don't
understand how people can believe in whatever they believe in and be confident
that what they believe in is the truth. The more research I've done, the more I
look, the more I realize that nobody can know with 100% certainty that what they
believe is true.” What this young man says is what a lot of people in our
modern society embrace today. With all
the modern technology we have, with the hope and trust we place in science and
in the material world, we have to see and we have to have proof. Not just some proof – but 100% proof. How can we be 100% sure of anything? I don’t think that is ever possible. When
all is said and done, we cannot forget what Jesus says after he shows Thomas
his hand and his side: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
As
we celebrate St Thomas the Apostle today, may we celebrate our belief in the
risen Christ. During this Fortnight for Freedom, we have been praying for the freedom to practice our faith here in the United States, an important right that we often take for granted. May we pray that we grow
in our faith and in our belief, even when we do not have 100% proof. And may we honor and cherish the freedom we
have to believe.
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