Faith Overcomes Doubt

Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.  Saint Thomas the Apostle’s story of doubt is one of the most famous stories involved with Christ’s Resurrection. St. Thomas was the only one of the Apostles not present when the Resurrected Christ appeared to them in the upper room. When he heard the other apostles’ tale, he did not believe them. He said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” –John 20:25. Thomas had seen Christ crucified and could not believe that anyone could come back to life after that horrible ordeal. However, a week later, when he was eating with the disciples, Jesus came into their locked room and said “Peace be with you!” Thomas is stunned with astonishment; then, Jesus tells Thomas, “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” –John 20:27. At this moment, Thomas’ doubt became faith; he believed that Jesus was truly God and could do anything, “My Lord and my God!” Then, Jesus said to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” –John 20:28. This Beatitude that Jesus says to Thomas is directed to us, those who have not seen Jesus, but still believe. Saint Augustine said “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." Additionally, Thomas went on to spread the news of Jesus’ life and Glorious Resurrection to the world; he travelled as far as India. Thomas’ faith was so strong that he died for it. Oftentimes doubt clouds our vision, and we begin to question our faith. In times when we feel like the “doubting Thomas,” we should pray for the gift of faith. Simple prayers like, “Lord, increase my faith,” can help us see the light of faith amidst the clouds of doubt. St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!  

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