There’s a little of him in all of us. You might think I’m referring to Jesus, bit I really mean Thomas. The gospel account of Jesus appearing to the disciples after the resurrection (Jn 20:19-31) probably finds a home in our hearts. Scared and confused, the disciples locked themselves away in a room. You can only imagine what their conversations were about. Then suddenly, through the locked door, Jesus walks right in, and says “Peace!” It was a great moment- one that Thomas missed because he was the only one absent. When the disciples shared what happened- Thomas wouldn’t believe it. “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” He was such a tough sell he wouldn’t even believe his best friends. One week later, the same thing happens, except this time Thomas is there. Jesus goes right up to him and challenges him to examine the marks of his death. This time Thomas believes!

A little doubt goes a long way. And doubt is not a bad thing- as long as it is honest. Being a person of faith requires a good deal of wrestling with the messiness of life. Doubt helps us along the path- as long as we don’t use doubt as an excuse. Instead of giving us permission to give up or stop going to church, doubt drives us deeper into life and love and faith. Hard work, yes, but the benefits are out of this world! May this Easter season be a time to ground your doubts in a deeper faith.   Happy Easter!  ~ Padre