The Sunday after Easter, we always read the same story where the disciples first encounter with the risen Jesus. Jesus appears inside the locked room. He offers them peace when they are surely terrified. He shows them the marks of his crucifixion. He sends them out as God has sent him. Breathing the Holy Spirit on the disciples, Jesus tells them they can forgive or not forgive sins. It turns out that Thomas is absent and upon his return, he is not convinced by the others. Thomas insists that he must see for himself, including the injuries that brought Jesus’ death, or he will not believe. A week later, Jesus returns when Thomas is with the others. Jesus shows Thomas his wounds who then declares, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus responds gently, “Have you believed because you have seen me?” Then as if looking at us, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Through the centuries, Thomas has been faulted for his “doubt” or his lack of belief. This is where the phrase “doubting Thomas” originates. I think Thomas has been mislabeled; he is simply asking for the same proof that Jesus was risen as the others had seen. I appreciate that Thomas is thinking for himself, raising questions, looking for evidence rather than simply taking the word of his companions. And when he encounters the risen Jesus, this “doubter” declares his belief in the clearest and boldest terms found in John’s gospel.
In Thomas’ story, we are reassured that following Jesus does not require us 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,