From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:24-29)

NOT SEEN AND HAVE BELIEVED: This really defines our faith, doesn’t it? Our logical, scientifically-minded brains must accept the fact that God is with us, despite the fact that we cannot see him. Our faith relies upon the experience of God in our lives, not our ability to see him or touch him. We can experience the beauty of nature, the love of a spouse or a child, or the peace gained through prayer and know that God exists.

Thomas, whose feast day we celebrate today, gets a bum rap as “the doubter.” It is likely that any one of the Apostles would have responded the same way had he not been present when the risen Christ presented himself.

We doubt too. We doubt each time we don’t turn to God in our need. We doubt Him each time we choose not to pray or opt to skip Mass. We doubt when see the beauty or feel the love around us and don’t acknowledge it as the presence of God in our lives.

We should ask God for the courage to not see Him face-to-face and yet still believe. Our faith depends on it.