Thoughts for the Day

Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, '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.'

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Poor Thomas has acquired the everlasting title of 'Doubting Thomas'. For some reason he wasn't present the week before with the rest of the disciples when Jesus appeared after his death. Even their shock and joy at telling him what had happened did not dent his doubt. He simply could not believe that Jesus had been resurrected and had returned.

However, we need to see how brave Thomas was to face up to the other disciples and tell them of his honest doubts. He wasn't prepared to be silent about his negative thoughts, neither did he keep his worries to himself but then go and share them with others after their meeting. He was completely honest with them - he couldn't believe in Jesus, unless he could see the marks of his crucifixion for himself.

Can we be this brave about sharing our doubt regarding the Christian faith? After all most of us have doubts at sometime or other. And, can we be as quick to acknowledge our faith when it comes back, and be as brave to share it with those around us?

Lord Jesus,
You understand when we doubt
and we ask You to for give us
when we struggle to have faith.
Help us to truly believe
that You died and rose again for us
in order to release us from the penalty of sin.
Amen