Tuesday, June 30, 2015

7/3/2015 – St Thomas, Apostle – John 20:24-29

    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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