For many of us, the phrase, "My Lord and My God," was an automatic response at Mass, at the elevation of the host and chalice. This is the profound profession of faith by Thomas, his doubts giving way to the loving presence of Jesus Christ. We might ponder Thomas as a weak apostle for having doubts. Yet, throughout the centuries, we have encountered many holy men and women, mystics, and even the prophets, who wondered Where God was.
But doubting can lead us to seek answers at a deeper level, to intensify our prayer-life, and even to motivate us to act on the very faith we profess. Faith has many dimensions. It affects our lives and our response to life in a variety of ways. A faith life can lead us towards a communion unity with God and others. Our faith life leads us to hope for a more perfect life thus encouraging us to move from Sin and Evil; learning to do good.
Faith is a dynamic gift and grace. In the Office of Readings for today, St. Gregory the Great suggests that the "Disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other apostles. As he touches Jesus he is won over to belief and every doubt is cast aside." Thomas shows us that in times of doubt how important it is to seek out the Lord all the more. Further, we see a community coming around its member who is questioning and experiencing difficulties in faith.
The Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus continues to encourage and strengthen the faithful. The journey of faith taken by the apostles, and all holy people, becomes a source of courage and inspiration. As we touch, receive, and consider the Body of Christ, hopefully we can have the same boldness of faith to pronounce, My Lord and My God.
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