My Lord and My God: A Journey from Doubt to Faith

My Lord and My God: A Journey from Doubt to Faith

Reflection on John 20:24-29

In this powerful passage, we encounter Thomas, also known as “Doubting Thomas,” who was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. His famous words — “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” — resonate with many of us who have experienced moments of uncertainty in our faith journey.

Eight days later, Jesus appears again. This time, Thomas is present. Rather than rebuking him, Jesus gently invites Thomas to touch His wounds: “Put your finger here and see my hands…do not be unbelieving, but believe.” In that moment of grace and encounter, Thomas responds with a profound profession of faith: “My Lord and my God!”

This exchange is more than a story of doubt—it is a testament to the mercy and patience of Christ. Jesus meets Thomas where he is, offering what is needed not just to see, but to believe. Thomas’s journey mirrors our own: we may wrestle with questions, experience spiritual dryness, or feel distant from God. But Jesus continues to come to us in our weakness, especially in the Eucharist, where He invites us to encounter His real presence.

Christ's final words in this passage are for all of us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” He affirms the deep faith of those who trust in Him without physical proof, reminding us that faith is a gift—nurtured through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and the community of believers.

Key Takeaway:
Jesus gently meets us in our doubts and invites us to deeper faith. Like Thomas, when we encounter the Risen Lord, our response should be one of humble surrender: “My Lord and my God.”