Immediately after Easter Sunday we are hit with Thomas (the doubting Thomas) who struggles with the reality of the risen Jesus. (Jh. 20, 19-31) This is not just one individual but he stands for all the disciples of Jesus who struggled with the reality: they knew he was killed on the cross so how could he be alive now? As we listen and pray over this resurrection story, we know that this “is me!” I have doubts and struggles just like Thomas.
The power of this story is located in our own struggle to find the truth. It is not good enough for the women and disciples of the gospels to claim they have seen the risen Jesus. Now, each one of us must encounter the resurrected Jesus in our own space and time. Jesus must be risen for each one of us!
Wise people have taught us that you will only know a truth when you have grappled with the opposite. We have to rub against the opposite. There are people whom you find very difficult to get along with but once you know their story and some of the serious difficulties of their life you will get to appreciate them better. Just as a spark is generated when a piece of metal is struck against a flint will you get a spark to ignite your campfire. Striking opposites generates fire.
Thomas leaves no doubt where he stands. “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.” (Jn. 20,25)
A week later Jesus appears among the disciples. He commands Thomas: “Thomas, put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” (Jn. 2027)
We can feel the overpowering sense as Thomas recognizes the risen Jesus: “My Lord and my God.”
This appearance event tells us that struggle and doubt are part of the journey of faith. We may have hesitations about living into the reality of the risen Christ. We may have heard the story that Jesus is risen but we do not know what to make of it today. In front of other believers who believe so firmly there may be guilt feelings that we cannot jump up and affirm our faith so strongly.
It is healthy to struggle with the resurrection of Jesus. In the past we did not stress our need to walk with our people, supporting them as they seek to come to a mature and deeper faith. Somehow doubt and hesitation were regarded as a negative attitude toward Jesus Christ. Today ,we can see the importance that everyone struggles like Thomas to believe and live with the risen Christ.
Use your imagination and put yourselves into the shoes of Thomas. What fears do you have? What courage and new insights do you receive?
May your journey be like the journey of Thomas. May you come to a faith that is alive and moving as was that of Thomas after his struggles.
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