C - Second Sunday of Easter

The disciples find themselves behind a locked door for fear of the Jews. They had every reason to be afraid because what had happened to Jesus could very well happen to them. Jesus had given every indication that he was the Messiah but now they were being presented with a reality that perhaps he was just a very good man, a great teacher, a wonderful healer. The same attributes ascribed to Jesus by many today who are unwilling or unable to recognize him as the Son of God. The disciples had witnessed Jesus raising three people from the dead and yet even with these signs of Jesus’s divinity, they had lost their confidence due to the danger they now found themselves in.

And now Jesus appears to his disciples; all of them, but one. Is that not curious? Are we really to think that somehow the timing was off? Would Jesus not know when all the disciples would be gathered? We can rest assured that the timing was perfect. Thomas, forever known to us as doubting Thomas, would miss this first encounter. We should hold Thomas in great affection and appreciation. In his honesty and humble straight forwardness, he represents us and all those who have heard but not seen. Thomas gives us license to at times doubt also. But more than that, his story demonstrates to us that ‘doubt’ is part and parcel of the active spiritual and Christian life. In each life there are chapters, seasons of faith, if you will, that are woven into, and become part of, our journey to Jesus’s heart.

We can think of doubt in two ways. The first as questions that need answering. St., Anslem of Canterbury would describe this as faith seeking understanding. St., John Henry Newman would say, “Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt”. We can call this type of doubt questioning doubt. The other type of doubt is more cynical and says, “I don't need to hear anymore, for I have made up my mind.” There is little to be done with cynical doubt but doubt of the questioning variety is a good sign – a doorway we all pass through. Doubt is not the enemy of faith but rather is a partner that encourages questions, reading, research, prayer, reflection, bible study, listening to podcasts, finding faith companions, and so on. This is essential to our formation for, without it, how can we grow and develop spiritual muscles? How can we possibly offer support for those struggling with their own faith if we ourselves have not found ourselves, at one time or another, doubting and asking questions. And how can we lean on our faith when difficulties arise, or tragedy strikes? Timothy Keller, a protestant author would write, “A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it.” That is a helpful picture; we need antibodies to strengthen our physical bodies to be resistant to bacteria, viruses and toxins. And we need a little doubt to strengthen our faith life.

Jesus would time his visit to the disciples perfectly, so that Thomas would express his doubts, which we, sooner or later, may also experience. But now, see what Jesus does, listen to his invitation. “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Many of us, I am sure, have seen the Caravaggio painting of doubting Thomas. It is called, ‘The Incredulity of Saint Thomas’. The picture depicts Thomas putting his finger into the side of Christ while Jesus and two other disciples look on. Jesus, Thomas, and the two disciples are so very close – all four heads almost touching. This is such an intense and intimate scene, and it presents a truth that doubt, the type that asks questions, and strives for truth, leads to the intimacy of believe. It leads to an intimate encounter with the risen Lord. It leads to the peace that Jesus greets us with, and it leads to our joining our friend Thomas as together we acclaim, “My Lord and my God!” 

With the passing of Pope Francis, we are saddened, and we mourn. His death comes at the heels of our greatest celebration – the celebration of new life offered to us by Jesus Christ. Christ is risen, and whether we are the pope, an office worker, a plumber, or a home maker, if we are buried with Christ so also, shall we be raised with Christ. This is why we remain joyful despite doubts, despite difficulties and trials, and despite times of mourning and sadness. We remain joyful and hopeful for God is all merciful and in Jesus we trust. So, on this Sunday of Divine Mercy, and on this day when Pope Francis goes to his eternal reward, we pray – Jesus, I Trust in You.

Deacon Peter Bujwid
St. Agnes Church, Arlington, Massachusetts
Sunday 23rd March 2025