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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Do not be unbelieving, but believe

Do not be unbelieving, but believe

Published Jul 2, 2024 09:45 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

In John’s Gospel, Nathanael initially refuses to believe when Philip tells him that they have found the Messiah in Jesus from Nazareth. After all, “nothing good” comes out from that obscure village (1:45-46). 

Like Nathanael, Thomas exhibits an initial skepticism which rejects the testimony of fellow disciples. This refusal to accept the testimony of the others deserves a rebuke from Jesus. And for wanting to see and to feel, Thomas is cast in the lot of people who would not believe unless they see “signs and wonders” (John 4:48). But still remaining a sincere disciple, Thomas is capable of being led to faith, and Jesus puts up a special appearance for him. 
Thomas has to know from his “Lord and God” that faith, not sight, matters. Do we share Thomas’ faith and not his doubt by accepting the testimony of Christian disciples and not only depending on miraculous “signs and wonders”? Do we hold on to the faith of the Apostles transmitted to us today by the Church?

 

Gospel • John 20:24-29 

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 

Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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