Believe without seeing?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Have you ever doubted the existence of God? Or have you ever said, “If you’ll just show me a sign, I’ll believe.” Today’s gospel reading (John 20:24-29) is about the apostle Thomas who wanted proof before he could believe in the risen Christ. Some people say that Thomas challenged God so that the true existence of God in Christ would be revealed to man. They say that he was driven to question God through the Holy Spirit so that we would have confirmation as to his real existence in a human body. Can you imagine what it must have been like at this time? The apostles abandoned Jesus at his time of glory and thought that he had been defeated at the cross. But Jesus’ true victory happened at the cross. Thomas’ doubt becomes our revelation as to the real existence of Christ. Jesus mysteriously appeared in the locked room among the apostles and once Thomas touches the wounds of Jesus, he immediately believes. This witness is now passed on to us as our confirmation to his resurrection because he knew that some of us would not believe. Jesus is among us everyday and he says to us, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” This statement is a Beatitude because our belief will bring us to the faith that leads to heavenly happiness. Jesus offers us the Holy Spirit so that we may believe. Open your eyes and see the light for he is standing next to you. If you need, reach out and touch him, he is there among you.

A Simple Prayer Lord Jesus, give me the strength to become one with you. Let me believe in you without doubt; Let me trust in you without fear; For you are my savior and Lord.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon