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| Be ready for you know neither the day nor the hour... Yes, you're looking at a clock, believe it! |
May these simple words find you in peace and joy. I have have to tell you about s conviction that I have been nursing now for the last 15 or 20 years. It has to do with a Gospel character who has become very dear to me. I have to tell you that I have come to the personal conclusion that this individual is laboring under the effects of a "bad rap." You all know him well. He is the one a who is hardly never quoted as the tough character who was not afraid to say, “Let us also go to die with him.” (John 11;16)
It's been a long time that I have been admiring him for his ability to stare death in the eye and not be afraid. So this year, during the Holy Week and Easter season I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on the strength of faith and it's victory over doubt as we see it in the Bible.
May I start with Sarah and Abraham? Of course Sarah is the one who giggled.
Then I have to jump to Peter on the water.
Then we see the eleven disciples in Galilee where Jesus had told them to meet him, and we read the words of Matthew: "The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted."
This was after Mary Magdalene wondered if the body had been stolen.
After the apostles ran to the tomb to check it out.
After the two disciples from Emmaus had their theophany.
I say that we cut Thomas a little slack and admire him for the courage of his convictions. This man is brave and humble at the same time. Who among us can imagine standing in front of our community of love and fraternity and stand our ground? Furthermore, who among us has the strength and courage to accept our doubt in humility and love and atone for it?
The man who had the courage to "...go to die with Him" also had the courage to go and live the way that the Master directed,
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28;18-20)
Yes, Thomas is a big hero of mine. I never call him "Doubting" because it is not fair to single him out from among the other doubters, many of whom still populate today's world.
Keep what I have said here in mind if you are ever slightly tempted to cry at my funeral.
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