In today's gospel (John 20: 24-29), we have the risen Jesus inviting Thomas to reach out and touch him because of Thomas' unbelief.
"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."
Today the church celebrates the Feast of Saint Thomas, the Apostle, and it's a good one for all of us.
Thomas, known for missing out on the initial appearance of the resurrected Jesus, and therefore doubting, proclaims, "My Lord and my God!” as he moves from unbelief to belief.
Jesus asks, "“Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
So many today seek scientific proof that Jesus is who he said he is, and therefore, stand firm in their unbelief.
But, as you may know, science, while useful, can only go so far when it comes to proving the existence of the transcendent God. Science does have its limitations, and providing proof of God and the spiritual realm happens to be one of them.
If we look to science to prove what is beyond its own ability, we will not get to faith. Jesus invited Thomas to touch him, thus, giving him empirical evidence of his resurrected being, and that helped him, but Jesus also pointed out that if you can believe without such proof, then you are truly blessed.
We know, therefore, that believing without seeing is a good thing.
If you are a "Doubting Thomas," don't stand in unbelief, waiting for proof that Jesus is alive. Move forward, and consider becoming a disciple based on trust in the words and person of Jesus.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com
janetcassidy.com
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