“Why do you look up at the skies? We have seen the Lord and He is risen!,” said some of the disciples. Thomas said, “I do not believe He is alive. I will not believe until I see the holes in His hands and His side and can place my finger in those holes.” Then Christ appeared before them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Thomas saw Christ and placed his finger in the holes of His master’s hands and side. Crying out, Thomas said, “My master and Lord!” Christ said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
I think we are all doubters at different times in our lives, but most Christians would rather be believing in Christ than denying that He is alive. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why are there wars, hostilities, hatreds, greed, bigotries, and anti-social behaviors in the world if God is here, if Christ walks beside us, or if we, ourselves, are part of the problem? Do any of these questions cross your mind from time to time? With God’s help, we as Christians must be willing to stand up and help alleviate the problems in the world with faith and love.
God gave us choices, and unfortunately, human beings do not make good decisions all of the time. We put ourselves first and the needs of others last. We want people to see us as Christians without the actions and love needed to correct problems. To be Christian, we need to love others more than we love ourselves. Christ said, “Go out into the world, bring my Word to everyone, be my feet and hands, and believe in God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I am the Alpha and the Omega.”
Only when we can say, “I believe without seeing Him,” do we become His disciples. Our thoughts, actions, and kindnesses answer the cold and hostile world with His love and grace. Then we are truly “Christ with flesh on.”
On this first Sunday after Easter when Christ arose from the dead, are you a doubter or a believer?
Anna Hartt
