A few days I wrote on my blog asking if anyone had seen Christ? Whether you have or have not, yesterday’s Gospel offered one of the most comforting lines in the Gospel – directed towards all of us. Christ’s words to Thomas ring true to all of us some 2000 years later. What words do I speak of?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.
In my youth I believed because I was told to believe by my Mom and Dad. As a teenager, my belief was only strengthened through my education at school; my retreats at school; my growing participation in the Liturgy as a member of a choir or an accompanist on the piano or organ. As a young adult, my faith was again bolstered thru the sacrament of Marriage because my wife Sarah became a that “window” for me that I could look through and see Christ; also witnessing the miracle of life is something I will never forget; I am also inspired by my family and my friends. As I continue to grow older, I can see how the hand of God has worked seamlessly in my life, protecting me when I’m in need of protection, guiding me and putting me in places where I need to be at any given moment in time; inspiring me through simple thoughts or complex thoughts. I can honestly profess to you that my belief in God has only grown stronger each day that I’m alive to witness or experience it.
Do I need to touch the wounds of Christ like Thomas? Do I need that physical proof of touching Christ to know that Jesus conquered death? I do not and I pray for all of those who struggle in their faith. Faith is a gift from God; but like all gifts, we need to accept them, embrace them and make them our own.
Do something great for our Lord today – embrace your faith. Believe in God, believe in the Gospel and blessed shall you be. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen. Alleluia.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 