WEDNESDAY HOMILY OF 13TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
WEDNESDAY HOMILY OF 13TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: DOUBT AS A CATALYST FOR A DEEPER FAITH
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle. John 20:24-29
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Thomas, the apostle who dared to ask the question that resonates in every human heart: “How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). His journey from doubt to faith (John 20:24–29) teaches us that faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God’s presence.
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As Henri Nouwen notes, Thomas’ encounter with Jesus reveals that faith is a journey of the heart, not just the mind. His doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is part of faith’s journey (Behold the Beauty of the Lord, 1986, p. 12). Jesus’ response was not to rebuke but to invite Thomas to touch his wounds and experience his love.
The story of the famous Christian music artist, Jennifer Knott (Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist’s Reckoning with the Bad Reputation of Christianity, 2018), comes to mind. Jennifer grew up in a Christian family but struggled with doubts and questions about her faith as a teenager. She believed she should have all the answers, yet her pursuit of them only deepened her sense of uncertainty.
One day, Jennifer’s grandmother, a wise and compassionate woman, sat her down and asked her to share her struggles. Jennifer poured out her heart, sharing her fears and doubts. Her grandmother listened attentively, nodding her head and making eye contact.
Then, she shared her own story of struggling with doubt and how she had come to realize that faith wasn’t about having all the answers but about trusting in God’s presence. She invited Jennifer to join her on a journey of discovery, to explore the Bible and prayer, and to experience God’s love for herself.
Jennifer was hesitant at first, but her grandmother’s invitation resonated deep within her. She began to seek God with a new openness and honesty, and slowly but surely, she started to experience His presence in her life.
Like Thomas, Jennifer’s doubts were not the opposite of faith; they were part of her faith journey. And just like Jesus, her grandmother didn’t rebuke her; rather, she invited her to touch God’s wounds and experience His love.
Today, Jennifer is a renowned Christian music artist, inspiring thousands with her music and testimony. Her story illustrates that faith is indeed a journey of the heart, not just the mind, and that doubts and questions are a natural part of that journey.
Like Thomas and Jennifer, we may struggle with doubts and fears. Yet, Jesus offers us the same invitation: “Come and see” (John 20:27). May we, like Thomas, respond with courage and humility, seeking a deeper encounter with the risen Lord.
As we celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas, let us ask for the grace to trust in God’s presence, to touch and see his love, and to proclaim with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” Amen.
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