From Doubt to Confession

“Thomas answered and said to him,

‘My Lord and my God!’”

John 20:28

Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle

St. Thomas is usually given a bad reputation with the nickname of “Doubting Thomas.” Yes, Thomas doubted when his brothers told him that Jesus is alive and has resurrected. But that does not define him as a person. Earlier on when Jesus was speaking with His Apostles, assuring them that there are many dwelling places in His Father’s house and that where He is going, they know the way.  At this Thomas asked, “Master we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”  At this Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Because of Thomas’ questioning, Jesus made a profound statement that is commonly quoted today. This statement was a statement of identity.

Questioning and doubting does not always signify something bad or weakness. It can be a sign of a desire to deepen one’s trust and faith. When we want to get to know someone better we ask him or her questions. So, Thomas questioned. He wanted to know more. He wanted to know the way, and Jesus reminded Him and enlightened his mind, telling him that He is the way, and the truth, and the life. Jesus revealed to Thomas who He was and His relationship to the Father. Yes, Thomas may have made a statement of doubt after Jesus rose from the dead, but he later made a great confession, proclaiming Christ as, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas remembered what Jesus said when he saw Him and he was moved to conversion and into a deeper relationship with Jesus.  He went from not knowing the way, to not only knowing that Jesus was His Lord but that He was also His God.  May we grow ever deeper in our trust and faith in the Lord.