2nd Sunday of Easter Year B - 8/4/2018 - Gospel: Jn 20:19-31
Doubt no more
Today's Gospel story is of Doubting Thomas. Think of Thomas and think of ourselves we all have something in common- Doubt. We from time to time do doubt our own ability, our memories, our own feelings and strength. Fortunately we live in hope and hope plays a big part in helping us to commit ourselves to do things. We enjoy the benefit of the doubt because from searching for an answer we embrace new discovery. Through questioning about God's love and mercy we are able to penetrate deeper into the mystery of God's love. What Thomas saw that took place on Good Friday took control of his mind and heart. What his friends told him about the meeting with the Risen Christ would not be strong enough to replace what he saw with his own eyes. For Thomas images were stronger impact than words and that explained what he longed to touch the wounds of Christ.
Positive doubting is in contrast to negative doubting. Positive doubting is a desire to learn, to widen one's view about the significant things engaged their mind and heart. Negative doubting aims to convince others' approval, to be on their side. The Doubting Thomas believed in the resurrection of Jesus and seek to widen his view on the matter- positive doubting. Deep in his heart he believed what Jesus had told them while he was with them that he would suffer and after three days will rise again Mk 8,31 but Thomas wanted something more than just what their friends told him. Thomas was standing on the border line and was more on the twilight than darkness and more on side of faith rather than relying on the power of knowledge. No human being can satisfied what Thomas longed to have: put his hand in Jesus' side and put his fingers in the nail holes Jn 20,27. God alone can do that, no others can. Thomas knew his friends couldn't provide what he asked for and yet he asked for it. What he asked for was his love for Jesus - touching his wounds- more than the evidence of faith.
Doubt is necessary and no normal mind can escape doubts because we all want to have knowledge and questions results in information and knowledge. The more knowledge we have; more questions asked and more questions asked our knowledge is wider and deeper. Knowledge gives birth to knowledge. Doubt is a part of life and doubts are spices of life. Knowledge conceals some doubt elements in them. No one can say they have absolutely knowledge of a field. If we demand for a certainty before we act then not much will be done. Doubt is the foundation for growth. When John the Baptist was imprisoned he sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether Jesus was the Messiah to come or he had to wait for another one Mat 11,3. Jesus answered not 'yes or no' but told John's disciples go back and tell John what they saw and heard. Get more facts and think more about doubt until we gain a clearer light is a way to learn, never give up because we learnt nothing. A sincere and honest doubt often leads to a triumph faith. Thomas asked to touch the wounds of Christ but when Christ came he wouldn't do what he wished to have but simple confessed 'My Lord and my God'. Thomas acted not much different from his friends- rejoicing and be with the Lord. Thomas had never touched Jesus' wounds, no concrete evidence and yet his faith in Christ was strong.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed Jn 20,29." said Jesus.
Our faith has its foundation on Jesus' teachings. On Divine Mercy Sunday we thank God for his mercy that compels us to show mercy for others.
Positive doubting is in contrast to negative doubting. Positive doubting is a desire to learn, to widen one's view about the significant things engaged their mind and heart. Negative doubting aims to convince others' approval, to be on their side. The Doubting Thomas believed in the resurrection of Jesus and seek to widen his view on the matter- positive doubting. Deep in his heart he believed what Jesus had told them while he was with them that he would suffer and after three days will rise again Mk 8,31 but Thomas wanted something more than just what their friends told him. Thomas was standing on the border line and was more on the twilight than darkness and more on side of faith rather than relying on the power of knowledge. No human being can satisfied what Thomas longed to have: put his hand in Jesus' side and put his fingers in the nail holes Jn 20,27. God alone can do that, no others can. Thomas knew his friends couldn't provide what he asked for and yet he asked for it. What he asked for was his love for Jesus - touching his wounds- more than the evidence of faith.
Doubt is necessary and no normal mind can escape doubts because we all want to have knowledge and questions results in information and knowledge. The more knowledge we have; more questions asked and more questions asked our knowledge is wider and deeper. Knowledge gives birth to knowledge. Doubt is a part of life and doubts are spices of life. Knowledge conceals some doubt elements in them. No one can say they have absolutely knowledge of a field. If we demand for a certainty before we act then not much will be done. Doubt is the foundation for growth. When John the Baptist was imprisoned he sent his disciples to ask Jesus whether Jesus was the Messiah to come or he had to wait for another one Mat 11,3. Jesus answered not 'yes or no' but told John's disciples go back and tell John what they saw and heard. Get more facts and think more about doubt until we gain a clearer light is a way to learn, never give up because we learnt nothing. A sincere and honest doubt often leads to a triumph faith. Thomas asked to touch the wounds of Christ but when Christ came he wouldn't do what he wished to have but simple confessed 'My Lord and my God'. Thomas acted not much different from his friends- rejoicing and be with the Lord. Thomas had never touched Jesus' wounds, no concrete evidence and yet his faith in Christ was strong.
"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed Jn 20,29." said Jesus.
Our faith has its foundation on Jesus' teachings. On Divine Mercy Sunday we thank God for his mercy that compels us to show mercy for others.
Written by Fr Vũđình Tường
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane Australia
