“When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” Matthew 28:17
I’ve read this passage many times but hardly noticed the last part of this sentence: “but they doubted.” First, it’s an example of how reading Scripture works; you always come back to it and find something new. Secondly, it’s something that will always strike you or call out to you depending on what’s taking place in your life, just one – if not the most important way – of how God speaks to us. Now, when it comes to the issue of doubt in the Gospel today, I was struck by the combination of worship and doubt, something that serves to remind us that doubt doesn’t necessarily mean a disbelief, a lack of uncertainty or confidence but a hesitation to make us think or a feeling to compel us toward a deeper understanding of God and his mysteries. Doubt is something that challenges us and help us to grow in relationship with Christ. Like in the case with Thomas, this is the doubt that’s taking place in today’s Gospel, a doubt that’s not necessarily the opposite of faith or worship, but rather an invitation to deeper understanding and trust. While refusing to believe what God reveals is problematic, hesitation, unable to comprehend, or spiritual dryness are common experiences that lead to spiritual maturity and a more profound, personal relationship with God, and so, when we feel this doubt like the apostles or Thomas, we do as they did in the Gospel today – keep praying and stay involved because God’s using your doubt – whether it’s your stubbornness or you inability to share in his vision – to do “his work in you.” This is the approach of the apostles today, and it’s our on-going experience with God.
Finally, as we continue to prepare for the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and pray for healing in our nation, this week, we pray that the Lord’s mercy may come upon those in our nation that are facing unplanned pregnancy or have been affected by abortion that they may find healing in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Make this week of prayer serve as a reminder that “even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.” Pope Francis’ Day for Life Greeting
In Christ
Fr Robert