Grace meets doubt

John 20 : 19 - 31

Peace be with you...do not doubt but believe....

I wonder why Thomas was missing from the company of the others when Jesus came and stood among them. The others were all there, waiting, unsure perhaps but still gathered together to discuss all that had happened. Was Thomas out trying to 'see' for himself what might have happened.....since they had received news from Mary about Jesus' appearance to her? Impatient, wanting to see for himself, perhaps wanting to 'do' something more than just huddle in an enclosed room?

Sounds familiar to me. It is always difficult to just 'wait' for the Lord. I am finding out how impatient I really am. In the slowing down journey, I find myself having to 'put the brakes on' only with conscious effort. It does not come easily or naturally. But wanting to 'see' or to 'do something' is a symptom of 'doubt', as Jesus pointed out to his dear friend Thomas. The Risen Lord is utterly gracious to him, though, and gives him the privilege of 'sight and touch', of sensory perception to ground his faith.

I would think I am someone who observes details well. The snag is that I may miss the 'forest for the trees'. The big picture is important too. I find that when I am filled with doubts it is much more helpful to see the big picture of the hope of the resurrection, rather than remain caught up with the discouraging details. After all, the big picture, though made up of the smaller parts is not yet complete. As I paint, I have to remember to consider the whole composition, not only the particular area I am working at. Even the choice of shades will depend on the comparative brightness of the different objects in the bigger picture.

Jesus' greeting of "Peace be with you" is available for me, for all of us who struggle with doubt.

His amazing grace meets any doubts that we as humans may have from time to time. The readings following Easter last Sunday have brought us to a deeper appreciation of the present risenness of Christ in our lives. Alleluia!