JOHN 20:24-29 FROM DOUBT TO FAITH
Year A, July 3, Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

For centuries Thomas has been remembered as "Doubting Thomas." But, I think we should call him "Honest Thomas." He did not pretend to believe when he was struggling. He brought his doubts to the very place where he could encounter Christ.

The beautiful part of today's Gospel is that Jesus does not reject Thomas for his doubts. Instead, He comes to him with patience and compassion. He invites Thomas to touch His wounds and then gently leads him to a deeper faith. Thomas responds with one of the greatest professions of faith in the entire Gospel: "My Lord and my God!"

Many of us have moments like Thomas. We wonder why God seems silent, why prayers go unanswered, or why suffering enters our lives. Faith does not mean never having questions. Faith means continuing to seek Christ even when we do not have all the answers.

Jesus ends the Gospel with a blessing that is meant for us: "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." We have not touched His wounded hands, yet we encounter Him every day—in His Word, in the Eucharist, in the Sacraments, and in the people He places in our lives. Like Thomas, may we bring our doubts to Jesus, allow Him to strengthen our faith, and make the words, "My Lord and my God," the prayer of our hearts each day.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo