We are sometimes searching for proofs regarding the truth and mysteries of our faith. On this journey, given our human condition, there are obstacles which give rise to questions and doubts. But beyond that, doubt also shows our sincerity—our inner engagement with faith. Doubts are a sign of our vitality, our willingness not to close ourselves off once and for all, but to remain open to the path that ultimately leads us into the mystery of God. Doubting always carries within it the potential for faith. Romano Guardini once said: “Faith is the ability to endure one’s own doubts.” The story of Thomas draws our attention to what is helpful when dealing with doubt.
Doubt as a Driving Force
Doubt can push a young person to break through his narrow, childlike faith and grow into greater maturity. And, doubt, triggered by deep experience of suffering, can lead an adult to a new and more open image of God. And even in old age, doubt can help us to overcome complacency and rigidity.
But we must make sure that doubt does not become a cause of unbelief. Every question that doubts raise must be addressed. Then doubt can lead us toward new and stronger faith. Doubt becomes dangerous only when it is ignored or left unchallenged. Faith is also courage – the courage to overcome doubt, not by repressing it, but by integrating it as part of faith itself. As the Protestant theologian Paul Tillich put it: “Faith includes doubt as one of its elements.”
Because doubt always contains the possibility of faith. The story of Thomas shows us what is required for faith to grow.
Faith Needs Interaction
Faith needs living contact, interaction with people who believe, including those who doubt. In his Book: “Der Schlüssel zum Himmel, Kleine Weisheiten der Mönche´´ Roland Breitenbach tells the story of two Monks who searched for God in the monastery library. But each searched alone. They did not seek Him together. They did not talk about their faith. And so, they did not find the one they were looking for. God is found in others. Thomas did not come to faith alone. He believed within the community of the disciples.
The Apostle Thomas had the great fortune to stand face-to-face with the divine human being who is the source and reason of our faith. He was able to touch faith, to grasp it physically. That is no longer possible for us in such a literal sense. But I am convinced that God places people in our paths – people who help make faith understandable, often in surprising and astonishing ways. This may happen in direct conversations about faith, or through their witness of belief; it can happen through the questions and doubts of those we meet. It can also happen when God confronts us with challenges. However, when God expects something from us. We often pass by such divine moments with indifference and a shrug.
Conclusion: Faith Needs Nourishment
Anyone who does not seek ways to resolve doubts is working against his own faith – and shouldn’t be surprised if they lose it. Like love, faith needs nourishment. Thomas engaged with the other disciples. He spoke about his doubts, listing exactly what he needed in order to believe. He searched for faith through others. In the end, he could say: “My Lord and my God.”
We speak too little about our faith. We exchange too little with one another. Above all, we rarely speak about the positive experiences we have had. We don’t make our faith tangible for others. But that is one way to overcome doubt and strengthen our faith. For faith comes by hearing. Christian faith hardly exists without the community of the Church, without exchange with those who have had – or are having – real experiences of faith.
[Readings: Acts 5, 12-16; Rev. 1, 9-11a. 12-13, 17-19; Jn 20, 19-31]
