The Apostle Thomas was absent when the Risen Lord appeared to the other Apostles on the evening of Resurrection Sunday. He wasn't about to be swayed by emotional petitions of "Christ is Risen!", and refused to believe this Miracle until he had seen Him for himself. His story shows us that there is nothing wrong with doubts or with seeking answers for ourselves.
How many of us have doubts but for fear of other's disapproval, won't admit or explore them? Thomas did, and more for He did come to Thomas, and from that day forth Thomas served the Lord with all his heart. It appears that he may have ended up as far as India preaching the Risen Christ, for there is a group of Christians (the Kerala district) that claim descent from Christians converted by the the preaching of Thomas.
In modern culture so many people see the certainty of American Evangelicalism, while they are wondering about various questions themselves, but don't feel like they can ask most Christians. Can we be like Jesus, open and willing to engage them, without condemnation? Thomas was able to turn to the Lord Himself. He wasn't castigated for his doubts, Jesus simply showed him the Scars on His body. What a simple answer to such a deep need! Maybe we can show others the way to Christ if we share our scars a bit, too. This painting really speaks to me how Jesus would react to our modern doubts.
How does it seem to you?
John Granville Gregory
Still Doubting
Gregory emulates the style of Caravaggio,using contemporary and realistic figures to show the story of Thomas encountering the Risen Christ.
From Fr. James B. Simpson and George H. Eatman's A Treasury of Anglican Art (New York: Rizzoli, 2002). Courtesy of Mr. Eatman.
Almighty and everliving God, Who strengthened Your apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in Your Son's Resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in Your sight; through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Good points, M-I-T. Thomas got a bad rap. Nothing wrong with asking for evidence.
Posted by: Neil | December 21, 2007 at 08:56 AM
This is SO not the way it was taught to me. We were taught that Thomas was indulged by Christ, but that his doubting impoverished his faith, making him less than he could have been...and even though he was saved, the full richness of faith without seeing was lost to him...
...I like this interpretation a lot better.
It seems more useful and inspiring.
Posted by: Teresa | December 21, 2007 at 07:52 AM