Is Seeing Believing? Helping Each Other Through Our Doubts
In the Reading from John for today, we are reminded of the story of when Jesus’ disciples are hiding for fear of the Roman authorities in the locked upper room after He had been crucified and (unbeknownst to them) risen on Easter. We know that Jesus appeared to them, even though the door was locked, and brought a message of peace. Then, he showed them His hands, feet, and side. When I read this part, I had to think about one of the disciples that wasn’t there: Thomas.
We all know that line, “Don’t be a doubting Thomas.” We know that this is because, when he heard from the other disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead, he said, “. . . Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 25) Although this is seen as doubt, it is understandable when we consider this through human understanding. The concept of resurrection is something that we have a very hard time comprehending, with our finite minds. Yes, the other disciples believed that they had seen Jesus Christ, Risen, but unlike Thomas, they had the chance to see Jesus’ hands, feet, and side before trying to convince Thomas of this. It is a fair statement to say that they may also have a hard time believing that Christ had risen if they hadn’t yet seen Him with their own eyes. So why, then, do we always look down upon Thomas’ doubt? Doubt is a normal human response to things that are supernatural or miraculous. The Resurrection is the greatest miracle of all, so it is hard to fathom. This begs the question: Would the other disciples have believed through word-of-mouth that Jesus had risen without seeing Him physically there? It’s impossible to know. Let’s give Thomas some grace! I know that I would have probably said the same thing that he did; I’m human!
But, we also know that Jesus always comforts us through our doubts. I don’t feel that doubting is truly a sin. It is a normal human reaction, as I said previously. Jesus loved and comforted Thomas soon after the event in this Reading happened, so we know that He loves and comforts all of us through our doubts. Remember that!
In the Reading from Acts 2:14a and 22-32, we see Peter proclaiming to the crowds that Jesus rose again, and therefore defeated death. We also know that he is telling this to people who have not seen Jesus and wanting them to believe. Even more, we know that Christianity spread and continues to spread to people who weren’t there to physically see the Risen Christ. Yes, we will have doubts. Yes, that makes us human. But, we see that God helps many people throughout history through these doubts, and continues to do this. We are called to do the same. In this Easter season, let’s help each other through any and all doubts!
We are an Easter people! Let’s raise that Hallelujah!
Many Easter Blessings,
Joey