Gospel Reflection 2020/2021

Doubt (Latin: dubium) is the hesitation and indecision of mind between belief and disbelief. We want to believe, yet we struggle to believe.

At some points of our journey of life and journey of faith, we will experience doubt(s) at various levels and different degrees: we may have doubt about our own self, doubt about our faith, and even doubt about God! Yes, even the staunchest believer and the most faithful follower of Jesus can experience crisis of faith.

1) At the command of Jesus, Peter started walking on the water towards Jesus. But when Peter was distracted by the strong wind, he doubted and started to sink. Jesus reached out to Peter, caught hold of his hand and saved him. [Mt 14: 22-31]

2) Jesus and His disciples were sailing on a boat when a storm broke out, and the ship was sinking. The disciples woke Jesus up from His sleep saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a dead calm. [Mk 4: 38-40]

3) Last Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday), we heard of Thomas the Apostle, who refused to believe unless he could put his hand into Jesus’ nail-scarred hand and His lance-pierced side. And Jesus appeared to him, dispelled the doubts in Thomas’ mind and heart – His loving hand guided Thomas to His merciful heart. [Jn 20: 19-31]

4) Two of Jesus’ disciples were leaving Jerusalem – all was over, all hope was crushed, all sense of the future was dashed – for Jesus was dead. On their way to Emmaus, the Risen Jesus appeared to them: their hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke to them, and their eyes were opened during the Breaking of the Bread. [Lk 24: 13-35]

5) And today, in our state of alarm and fright of the future, of the political uncertainty, of the crumbling economy, of the possible fourth wave of COVID-19 infection, Jesus is saying to us, “Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts?”

When we are in doubt, how can we continue to trust God?

1) “Look at My hands and My feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch Me and see for yourselves…”

When we are in doubt, we can always draw strength from Jesus through the crucifix. The crucifix is a visible and constant reminder of God’s faithful love for us. Through the crucifix, we remember, gaze upon, wonder at, meditate upon, and we behold and hold the Crucified Christ.

2) Come for Mass

On the journey to Emmaus, Jesus ‘broke the word’ and explained the Scriptures to the two doubtful disciples, and he ‘broke the bread’ with them. Their faith was restored, and their hope renewed. Today at every Mass, Jesus continues to explain the Scriptures to us (Liturgy of the Word) and nourish us through His Body and His Blood (Liturgy of the Eucharist).

We may be doubtful, but we can be sure that:

Christ is always CERTAIN in all our uncertainties.

Christ is always FAITHFUL in all our doubts and faithlessness.

CHRIST IS always in the midst of all our crisis.

Let our fervent prayer be:

“Lord Jesus Christ, I believe; help my unbelief!” [Mk 9: 24]