Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
We all have been a “Doubting Thomas” – someone who has to be given proof of something before they can believe it’s true. The apostle Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he had first-hand evidence of it. It was only when Thomas was able to put his hands in Jesus’ wounds that he came to faith in the risen Lord. As he was touching his wounds, Jesus said, “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” When he said this, Thomas’ doubts were dispelled by Jesus’ love, grace, mercy and faith. We, as believers, not only share in this, but are tasked to share it with others.
How many of the other apostles would have had the same struggle if roles were reversed? How many of us can relate to Thomas? My guess is that everyone just said a silent “Yes,” agreeing that we are more like Thomas than we care to think. Why, you ask? Because doubt and faith are very closely linked. As a matter of fact, doubt is often part of our journey of faith. It is not in any way an indication that we are unbelieving or bad Christians. Rather, it shows that we take our relationship with God very seriously and are willing to take this journey with Him, even if we don’t know exactly where we are going. Belief is about a relationship.
Pope Francis said, “A faith that is not able to touch the Lord's wounds is not faith. A faith that cannot be merciful, as the Lord's wounds were a sign of mercy, is not faith. It's an idea, an ideology.”
“If we really want to believe and have faith,” he added, “we must draw near and touch those wounds, caress those wounds, and even lower our head and allow others to soothe our wounds.”
Thomas moved from unbelieving to believing. He moved from doubt to belief. We all have doubts from time to time – that’s a normal part of living a life of faith. This is why we must continue to move forward, not forgetting the wounds of the past, but placing our hands in them so that we know the pain. We never want to forget the feeling that brought us to the place we are now. We need that for growth in the present.
This week is Safe Environment Week in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. It is a time where, in addition to what we do throughout the year, we come together as a faith community to place a greater emphasis on the protection of our children and youth. As a part of this emphasis, our Safeguarding All of God’s Family program is again hosting a poster/video/Flipagram contest where we encourage children and youth to illustrate how they have lived out Corporal and/or Spiritual Works of Mercy at home, at school and beyond. Promoting the works of mercy is part of ensuring an environment in which all are safe.
Additionally, I will celebrate the Mass of Atonement this evening at St. Joseph Parish (12130 W. Center St., Wauwatosa). As we have in past years, we come together as a faith community to remember and pray for the innocent victims of the heinous crimes perpetrated by those we trusted.
Like Thomas, we need to see, touch, experience and continue to grow in grace and mercy to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Note: This blog originally appeared as the April 19, 2016 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.