Removing Doubt

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today suggest that meditating on our doubts about our relationship with God will open the door for increasing our understanding.

No doubt about support

 

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians declares we are one in Christ and members of the household of God.

 

* [2:11–22] The Gentiles lacked Israel’s messianic expectation, lacked the various covenants God made with Israel, lacked hope of salvation and knowledge of the true God (Eph 2:11–12); but through Christ all these religious barriers between Jew and Gentile have been transcended (Eph 2:13–14) by the abolition of the Mosaic covenant-law (Eph 2:15) for the sake of uniting Jew and Gentile into a single religious community (Eph 2:15–16), imbued with the same holy Spirit and worshiping the same Father (Eph 2:18). The Gentiles are now included in God’s household (Eph 2:19) as it arises upon the foundation of apostles assisted by those endowed with the prophetic gift (Eph 3:5), the preachers of Christ (Eph 2:20; cf. 1 Cor 12:28). With Christ as the capstone (Eph 2:20; cf. Is 28:16; Mt 21:42), they are being built into the holy temple of God’s people where the divine presence dwells (Eph 2:21–22).* [2:20] Capstone: the Greek can also mean cornerstone or keystone.1

Psalm 117 is a universal call to worship.

 

* [Psalm 117] This shortest of hymns calls on the nations to acknowledge God’s supremacy. The supremacy of Israel’s God has been demonstrated to them by the people’s secure existence, which is owed entirely to God’s gracious fidelity.2

In the Gospel of John, Jesus and Thomas explore doubt.

 

* [20:19–29] The appearances to the disciples, without or with Thomas (cf. Jn 11:16; 14:5), have rough parallels in the other gospels only for Jn 20:19–23; cf. Lk 24:36–39; Mk 16:14–18.3

Mike Cherney comments that tradition may give some additional insight into Thomas. Thomas was believed to have been a carpenter by trade. Perhaps this may have given him a more practical, action-oriented point of view as well as some understanding of Jesus’ background.

 

Dear Lord,

My sense is that questioning can be a natural part in the process of coming to a deeper understanding.

My career has taught me that confidence comes through personal and shared experiences.

I see You gifting faith through these experiences.

I thank You for the ways in which You seem to touch our lives and share Your presence.

I ask for Your guidance in coming to and sharing awareness of Your gifts.

Allow me to see my part in the household and temple of believers.4

Don Schwager quotes “Touching the wounds of Christ and healing the wounds of our unbelief,” by Gregory the Great (540-604 AD).

 

"It was not an accident that that particular disciple was not present. The divine mercy ordained that a doubting disciple should, by feeling in his Master the wounds of the flesh, heal in us the wounds of unbelief. The unbelief of Thomas is more profitable to our faith than the belief of the other disciples. For the touch by which he is brought to believe confirms our minds in belief, beyond all question." (excerpt from FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 26)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 20:24-29 notes that Jesus didn’t hold Thomas’ doubts against him. Instead, he came right into Thomas’ presence and invited him to touch the marks on his hands, feet, and side (John 20:25).

 

There are plenty of stories of people whose doubts have been resolved through an unexpected encounter with Jesus. Some have discovered him in the Eucharist or in the pages of Scripture. Others have sensed him speaking to the deepest desires of their hearts. And some come to see him in the witness of his followers—perhaps by their forgiving disposition, their reluctance to judge, or their care for the people around them.6

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the entry of the Gentiles in Ephesus into the Church. Following Jesus' greeting of peace, Thomas is invited to examine His glorified body. Friar Jude notes the high Christology of Thomas’ response to Jesus.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that Christians tend to read much of the Hebrew Scriptures as a history book. They are not merely descriptions of events that happened long ago, but an ongoing revelation of what God is doing today—not only in other people but in us! Perhaps no book is more accessible in this way than the Psalms, which reflect the fullness of the human experience—celebration and sorrow, praise and lament—on a personal and collective scale. Author Nan Merrill created a modern text based on the Hebrew Psalms, not a direct translation but as a way for us to access the depth of their beauty and emotion. She hopes that praying them can serve as a “loving movement toward engendering peace, harmony, and healing in our wounded world.”

 

Who among us has not yearned TO KNOW the Unknowable? . . . The Psalms have ever been a response to these deep yearnings: cries of the soul . . . songs of surrender . . . paeans of praise. . . . Affirming the life-giving fruits of love and acknowledging the isolation and loneliness of those separated from Love, may serve to awaken the heart to move toward wholeness and holiness. [2]7

When we are troubled with doubts about our journey in the Church, we can rely on Jesus to address our needs.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/es/node/4473
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 117 | USCCB. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/117
3	(n.d.). John, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/20
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries - Creighton University. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/070321.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=jul3a
6	(2017, July 3). Saint Thomas, Apostle (Feast) - The Word Among Us. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2017/07/03/27660/
7	(n.d.). God Is Always Choosing People — Center for Action and .... Retrieved July 3, 2021, from https://cac.org/great-themes-of-scripture-hebrew-bible-weekly-summary-2021-07-03/

 

 

At the foot of faith

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite contemplation of the actions and attitudes from which evangelization is a natural consequence.

Missionary effort

The Book of Acts describes Paul’s arrival at Antioch and his address in the Synagogue tracing salvation history to Jesus.

* [13:16–41] This is the first of several speeches of Paul to Jews proclaiming that the Christian church is the logical development of Pharisaic Judaism (see also Acts 24:10–21; 26:2–23).1 

In Psalm 89 the community laments the defeat of the Davidic king.

 * [Psalm 89] The community laments the defeat of the Davidic king, to whom God promised kingship as enduring as the heavens (Ps 89:2–5). The Psalm narrates how God became king of the divine beings (Ps 89:6–9) and how the Davidic king became king of earthly kings (Ps 89:20–38).2

In the Gospel from John, the action of Jesus in the washing of the disciples’ feet models leadership routed in humble service.

* [13:1–20] Washing of the disciples’ feet. This episode occurs in John at the place of the narration of the institution of the Eucharist in the synoptics. It may be a dramatization of Lk 22:27—“I am your servant.” It is presented as a “model” (“pattern”) of the crucifixion. It symbolizes cleansing from sin by sacrificial death.3

Jeanne Schuler reflects on Jesus, Paul and other figures from religion, history, and literature that shape us.

Whomever he [Paul] shared a meal with learned about Jesus… We feel the impact of another’s life, and that story stays with us.  We are less isolated than supposed. A tribe travels with me. No one makes this journey alone. Jesus washed their feet a last time.  Still on his knees he said once again: remember me. I AM. I am the one beside you. Should you reject me, I will remain.4 

Don Schwager quotes “The Master wants his servants to reach their potential,” by Origen, 185-254 A.D.

"The Savior, who is Lord, does something that surpasses all other lords, who have no desire to see their servants rise up to their level. He is such a Son of the Father's goodness and love that, although he was Lord, he produced servants who could become like him, their Lord, not having the spirit of bondage, which comes from fear, but the spirit of adoption in which they too cry, 'Abba, Father.' So then, before becoming like their teacher and lord, they need to have their feet washed because they are still deficient disciples who possess the spirit of bondage to fear. But when they attain the stature of master and lord... then they will be able to imitate their master and wash the disciple's feet as the teacher. (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.120-22)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 13:13-25 comments that Paul felt worthy to preach, not because he was faultless, but because he had been forgiven.

Do you have a “word of exhortation” that you’d like to share with a friend or family member? Go ahead and say it! Don’t let your past get in the way. Have you committed some sins in your life? Yes, and some of them might even be big, embarrassing ones. But these transgressions can help convince you of the power of God’s love and mercy. They can become the fuel for your courage and humility 6.

The Novalis Seeds of Faith blog quotes from Fr. James Mallon’s book “Divine Renovation: From a Maintenance to a Missional Parish” on the evangelization of Pope Francis.

 I remember my first words: “Who?” and “Francesco!” Although he would go on to explain his choice of name based on his love for the poor, my first thoughts were that this man was declaring himself to be a reformer after the saint who heard the Lord say to him, “Francis, rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.” I like to believe that he chose this name for both reasons, and his actions so far as pope would confirm this hope.
Since that momentous day, Pope Francis has exploded onto the international scene. He speaks to all Christians with clarity and urgency, challenging us to recall our identity and to be a Church that goes out and a Church that makes “missionary disciples.” In doing this, he continues the call of his predecessor, who spoke often of the New Evangelization and called for the reevangelization of the West.”7

Friar Jude Winkler connects the preaching of Paul in the synagogue to an implied threat that the “Chosen People” may experience a fate of rejection similar to King Saul. The high Christology of the Gospel of John makes the point that Jesus foreknew that He would be betrayed by Judas. Friar Jude reminds that the hour of glory for I AM in this Gospel is the power of love shown on the Cross.

Richard Rohr, OFM, shares a brief introduction from Cynthia Bourgeault, CAC core faculty member and Episcopal priest, to her book “The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three” (Law of Three: originally developed by the Armenian-born spiritual teacher G. I. Gurdjieff (1866–1949)).

Actually, the entire Paschal Mystery can be seen to play itself out as a fairly straightforward configuration of the Law of Three. If you assign affirming as Jesus, the human teacher of the path of love; denying as the crucifixion and the forces of hatred driving it; and reconciling as the principle of self-emptying, or kenotic love willingly engaged, then the fourth or new arising, which is inescapably revealed through this weaving, is the Kingdom of Heaven, visibly manifest in the very midst of all the human cruelty and brokenness.8 

Following Jesus model of evangelization allows humility to present truth and offer peace in reconciliation.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 13 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/13
2	(n.d.). Psalms, chapter 89 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89
3	(n.d.). John, chapter 13 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/13
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
6	(n.d.). Meditations - The Word Among Us. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/05/16/
7	(2014, November 19). From Vatican II to Pope Francis | Seeds of Faith. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from https://novalisseedsoffaith.com/2014/11/19/from-vatican-ii-to-pope-francis/
8	(n.d.). Law of Three Archives — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 16, 2019, from https://cac.org/tag/law-of-three/

Faith and mercy

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary for Divine Mercy Sunday urge us to act with the mercy that our trust in God has allowed us to experience in our relationship with Christ.

Act with mercy

The reading from Acts describes how the signs and wonders of the Apostles after the Resurrection moved people.

 * [5:12–16] This, the third summary portraying the Jerusalem community, underscores the Twelve as its bulwark, especially because of their charismatic power to heal the sick; cf. Acts 2:42–47; 4:32–37.1

Psalm 118 is a possible dialogue at the Temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice.

* [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a procession of the king and the people into the Temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Ps 118:1–4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Ps 118:5–9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Ps 118:10–14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Ps 118:15–18). Then follows a possible dialogue at the Temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Ps 118:19–25).2 

The passage from the Book of Revelation describes The First Vision of John of Patmos.

* [1:9–20] In this first vision, the seer is commanded to write what he sees to the seven churches (Rev 1:9–11). He sees Christ in glory, whom he depicts in stock apocalyptic imagery (Rev 1:12–16), and hears him describe himself in terms meant to encourage Christians by emphasizing his victory over death (Rev 1:17–20).3 

In the Gospel from John Jesus Appearance to the Disciples and later to Thomas becomes high Christology at the original conclusion of this Gospel.

* [20:29] This verse is a beatitude on future generations; faith, not sight, matters.4 

Thomas Drzaic observes it is easy to doubt individuals and to suspect there are underlying motives, especially when perceived or actual slights have occurred in the past. How much better could these relationships and interactions be if they are approached with trust and the assumption of positive intent from the other person?

 Likewise, I have found my faith can often ebb and flow, with the low points filled with a disconnection from God that seemingly can be filled only with absolute, tangible proof that God is there.  Much like Thomas seeking to see and feel the wounds of Christ as proof of His rising, I also seek such affirmation, calling out to God for proof or a sign that God hears me. It is at these times that Christ’s call to faith sustains me and it is well to remember His words ‘blessed are those who have not seen and believed.”
So, on this Divine Mercy Sunday, may we find ourselves placing complete trust and faith in God, accepting his love and mercy unconditionally.  May we also live and proclaim our faith freely and boldly in both words and actions, going forth like the Apostles who Christ sent out to spread the Gospel.5

Don Schwager quotes “Touching the Flesh, He Invokes the Word,” by Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

 "But when Jesus showed Thomas the very places where he had his doubts, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." He touched his flesh, he proclaimed his divinity. What did he touch? The body of Christ. Was the body of Christ the divinity of Christ? The divinity of Christ was the Word; the humanity of Christ was soul and flesh. Thomas could not touch the soul, but he could perceive it, because the body that had been dead was moving about alive. But that Word is subject neither to change nor to contact, it neither regresses nor progresses, neither fails nor flourishes, because in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. That is what Thomas proclaimed. He touched the flesh, he invoked the Word, because the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (excerpt from Sermon 145A)6

The Word Among Us Meditation on Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19 recalls John of Patmos, Isaiah, (Isaiah 6:5), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28), and Peter (Luke 5:8-10). In each story, God made it clear that the person’s past sins and mere mortality didn’t pose obstacles to him. He was more focused on the work he had for them to do.

This is what divine mercy looked like in biblical times, and it’s what it looks like today. It’s God forgiving our every sin, cleansing our consciences, and easing our fears. It’s also God looking with sadness on a darkened, sinful world and sending us out as his ambassadors.
Do not be afraid. Jesus says these words to you today. Don’t be afraid of God. He loves you and he forgives you. And don’t be afraid to share that mercy with the people around you. Forgive them just as you have been forgiven. Let them see in you the merciful face of God.7 

Anna Rowlands and Robert Czerny place Pope Francis’ recognition of an eighth work of mercy in 2016: ‘care for our common home’ in the long and living tradition in which this new work of mercy stands.The introduction of a new work of mercy reflects the perspective of Laudato Si’ that stresses the interconnection of all humans not only with each other but with all of Creation, too.

In Misericordiae Vultus, the papal bull in which Pope Francis established the Jubilee Year of Mercy, he repeats the guidance of Pope Saint John XXIII at the opening of the Second Vatican Council 50 years earlier: ‘Now the Bride of Christ wishes to use the medicine of mercy rather than taking up arms of severity… The Catholic Church, as she holds high the torch of Catholic truth at this Ecumenical Council, wants to show herself a loving mother to all; patient, kind, moved by compassion and goodness toward her separated children’.[v]There is a complex interdependence between humans, other creatures and the natural world, so nature must be part of the scope of our practices of mercy. In today’s world, hunger, violence and poverty cannot be understood apart from the changes and degradation affecting the environment.8 

Friar Jude Winkler places the miraculous power of the apostles, similar to Jesus ministry, in Volume 2, where Luke continues the work of Jesus manifested in the Church. Theology from Paul and John is contained in the many symbols used by John of Patmos (pseudonym) writing to the universal Church being persecuted at the end of the first century. Friar Jude reminds us that the high Christology of “My Lord and My God” is voiced by Thomas whose faith, like ours, may be strengthened by pursuing our doubts.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes that most of the world religions have some concept of heaven and hell. Why? Because human freedom matters. We have to be given the freedom to say no to love and life, and one word for that is hell.

 Pope John Paul II, who certainly was not a liberal, reminded listeners that heaven and hell are not physical places at all; they’re states of being in a living relationship with God or choosing separation from the source of all life and joy. [1] And, if that’s true, there are plenty of people on earth who are in hell now. They often choose to be miserable, hateful, negative, and oppositional. They love to exclude people who are different from them.
St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380), whose feast we will celebrate tomorrow, received a vision of Jesus Christ as a bridge reaching from heaven to earth, forever joining “humanity with the greatness of the Godhead.” [2] Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day (1897–1980) was fond of citing Catherine’s inspiration in her own reflections, often writing “All the way to heaven is heaven.” [3] I’d also add “It’s hell all the way to hell.” You’re choosing your destiny right now. You are responsible, not God. Do you want to live in love and communion? Or do you want to live in constant opposition to others and life itself?
As we observe our politics, antagonism appears to be the primary style of communication today—how to fight and win, how to be suspicious, how to be hateful, how to tell lies. Who can we exclude now? Which race, religion, or group is unworthy? (All in the name of God, remember!) That’s simply hell right now. And an awful lot of people, even those who call themselves Christian, appear to be living in a hell of their own construction. That’s why Jesus can say, “I do not know you” even to those who “ate and drank in his company” (see Luke 13:25–27)!9

Divine Mercy and respect for our freedom coexist. We are commissioned to be mercy to others and to all nature. Our relationship in faith with Jesus calls us to choose Life in the Way.

References

1	(n.d.). Acts, chapter 5 - usccb. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/acts/5
2	psalm 118 - usccb. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/psalms118.htm
3	(n.d.). Revelation, chapter 1 - usccb. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/1
4	(n.d.). John, chapter 20 - usccb. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/20
5	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - OnlineMinistries - Creighton University. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
6	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
7	(2019, April 28). 2nd Sunday of Easter or Sunday of Divine Mercy - Mass Readings and .... Retrieved April 28, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/04/28/
8	(2018, February 19). The eight works of mercy | Thinking Faith: The online journal of the .... Retrieved April 28, 2019, from https://www.thinkingfaith.org/articles/eight-works-mercy
9	(2019, April 28). Heaven and Hell — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 28, 2019, from https://cac.org/heaven-and-hell-2019-04-28/