Most Christians are familiar with the Gospel about Jesus appearing to Thomas and the other disciples, of Thomas wanting to believe, but needing to have concrete proof in order to believe. Jesus did not reprimand Thomas for doubting nor did he tell him to have blind faith. Rather, he gave Thomas what he asked for as he showed him the nail marks in his hands and let him touch his hand and his side. Jesus did this so that Thomas could believe. We label him “Doubting Thomas,” ignoring that Thomas ultimately believed and continued down the road of faith.
Some years ago, someone expressed this in an email, and I asked him if I could anonymously share it in a homily. He wrote: “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 modern society embrace. With our modern technology, with the confidence we place in science and in the material world, we want proof. Not just partial proof – 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.”
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