Every year, the Sunday after Easter brings the same gospel reading. It is a beautifully written and translated story where Jesus appears to his disciples on Easter Sunday evening and appears to them again a week later. The first time, Thomas is not there. The others try to tell him that they saw Jesus and he insists that he needs to see for himself. When Jesus returns, he shows Thomas the physical signs of his death on the cross. After seeing this proof, Thomas declares, “My Lord and my God!” which is the clearest, boldest, and most emphatic statement of faith in all of John’s gospel. Jesus does not criticize Thomas. Instead, he offers words of encouragement for those of us who have “not seen, but yet have come to believe.”
Thomas’ story reassures us that as we follow Jesus, we are not required to set aside our critical thinking skills. Our minds and the ability to wonder and doubt, question and ponder, are among the gifts from God that we use as we love and serve our neighbor and the world. Doubt and faith go hand in hand. Questions and uncertainty can lead us to a deeper understanding, a fuller knowledge.
Go ahead and wonder. Feel free to ask questions. Keep exploring what you don’t understand about God, other people, the world, and yourself. We will probably not find the kind of proof that Thomas gets, but that is no reason to stop thinking critically. Do not let your doubts frighten you or make you think they mean you don’t believe. It is no accident that Thomas’ story is used in worship the Sunday after Easter every year. People of faith have been raising questions and experiencing doubts for over 2000 years. You are in good company.
Peace,