Trust is an interesting thing. Do you believe in something you cannot see? That was the problem for the disciple Thomas in this week’s Scripture. They called him the doubting one. He was the one who said that unless he could see Jesus with his very own eyes he wouldn’t believe that Jesus was alive. Jesus appeared to him. Thomas realized that Jesus was alive! He believed.

How much easier it would be for us to trust in Jesus, to trust in our faith, in our spirituality if we could tangibly see Jesus? If Jesus would just put in a physical appearance now and then, how much easier it would be for me to believe, especially at those times when I feel somewhat distant from God. Unlike with Thomas, he doesn’t. How can I still believe?

The coronavirus has made me realize that I do believe in things that are invisible. We can’t see this virus with our eyes, we have to do other tests to know if it is present. We have seen that there were lots of people who did not believe they could catch it, while others were worried they would. While there were other people did catch it and no one really know where they got it from. I know that I am washing my hands more than ever just in case I might have touched something with the virus. If we could only see the virus, it might be so much easier to avoid!

But, we trust the masks, hand sanitizers and wipes to help stop the spread of infection. Even in our unseeing, there are things that we can do. I wonder if, on our faith journey, there are things that we can do to strengthen our trust in God? I stand with the father who brought his son to be healed when he said, “I do believe, help me in my unbelief.” [Mark 9:24]

I have found in my own faith that prayer, meditation and reading the Bible are all things that give strength to me, especially when my faith is weak and faltering…those times when I find it hard to glimpse Jesus or God at work in my life. Especially when I am getting Covid weary. Sometimes I just need the reminder of God’s love and care for me that gives my faith a boost.

Blessings,
Michael

Rev.Dr. Michael Caveney