No Doubting

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/070317.cfm) reminds me that I should not entertain thoughts of doubt in my life. 

In this world, there are a lot of reasons to doubt. People lie and don’t always do as they say. Situations change. Surprises happen. That is why a lot of times, we doubt until what we expect comes to pass. Only when it is over do we believe. 

Thomas in the gospel is like us. He is sometimes called doubting Thomas. He did not believe when the other disciples told him they have seen the risen Lord. Well, it is not something you would easily believe, so him doubting is probably understandable. But when Jesus appeared again, he did not get mad at Thomas for doubting, but instead assured him that there is no reason to doubt.

“Blessed are those who have not seen but believe”

Jesus is talking about us. We have not seen him, we have not spent time with him, but we believe in Him, his words and teachings. And as he is affirming us, he is also encouraging us. Like Thomas, we need not doubt. His love and protection is always there, even if we do not feel it. He watches over us even if we find it hard to believe it. He has great plans for us, even if right now we don’t think so.

May we be challenged by Thomas, and pray for faith that will never doubt.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. thank you for another chance to love and serve you. thank you for another reminder. Sorry for the times I act like Thomas. Sorry for doubting you. sorry for letting my fears win over my faith. Help me and reach out to me, Lord. May I learn to trust you more. May my faith be bigger than my fears. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

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July 3, 2017
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Lectionary: 593

Reading 1EPH 2:19-22

Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God, 
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Responsorial PsalmPS 117:1BC, 2

R. (Mark 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples!
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
For steadfast is his kindness for us,
and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever. 
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

AlleluiaJN 20:29

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelJN 20:24-29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to 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."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."