Revealing Our Doubts
"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 he said to them, '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.' 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.'” (John 20:24-27)
"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 he said to them, '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.' 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.'” (John 20:24-27)
With self-awareness and courage, St. Thomas surrendered his doubts. With mercy and shocking generosity Jesus responds. How frequently we trivialize our doubts or difficulties before the Lord. Perhaps we place them before Him and then leave before He responds. St. Thomas both presented his doubt and remained in a place, in the community, where the Lord was able to draw near and pour forth mercy upon St. Thomas, revealing even more of His heart and generosity.
Do I hesitate to reveal my doubts and insecurities to the Lord due to fear of an un-merciful response?
Jesus, allow me to have the courage of St. Thomas in bringing to you the fears, doubts and uncertainties of my heart. Amen.
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of Saint Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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