The Doubt and Mercy Connection

Years ago I remember a homily given on this day by the abbot of the monastery where I attended Mass.  He said that he fittingly was named Thomas and then proceeded to give a beautiful homily on about the only disciple who recognized Jesus as both Lord and God.  As I contemplated this sermon I wondered what it would be like to make the connection as Thomas did especially after stating his unbelief to the others when he was told of the Resurrection. But there is something else here in the passage that can be easily overlooked, mercy.

Doubt in God and his infinite grade is something that is quite human as well as something that I struggle with daily.  The various tests and pains that are very much are part of daily life can be questioned as if God is out to wreak havoc with our plans.  I can doubt God's existence when the landscape is littered with inhumane acts, vitriol, and hate. But what if Jesus presented himself to me just as he did with Thomas?  Would I readily accept the invitation to touch the wounds which were incurred so that I may have everlasting life? Quite daunting. I am ill prepared for such an experience or have I been blinded by my self-centered humanity.

What I fail to realize is that Jesus is present daily.  He is the homeless man or woman at the exit off the freeway.  He is the person at work who is dealing with tasking situation in caring for an elderly parent. He is person in our family who is difficult.  We do not see Thomas being condemned for his unbelief by his peers nor do we see Jesus rejecting him.  Instead Jesus extends his hands of mercy so that he may believe. I feel that we are being asked to do the same. In the last line of the today's Gospel we are exhorted to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name. Doubt is overcome with faith through the Mercy of the Divine.