Luke 24:36b-43

“He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.’” vss. 38-39b

The resurrection accounts in our gospels are different, and reflect the sources available to their writers. This is to be expected–the resurrection is a singular event and there are no words to describe what took place. But the writers do a great job in reflecting the feeling of the disciples who had encounters with the Risen Christ. In each case there is a combination of fear, excitement, bewilderment, and doubt. That doubt factor is the tough one, and is the feeling that many deal with in considering the resurrection. Interestingly, the disciples were not stymied by their doubts, and went out in faith to share the good news of resurrection with the world. That’s a good lesson as we live with our doubts in our time–there’s no reason why such thoughts and feelings should keep us from our mission or from worship. In fact, doubt and faith aren’t incompatible. Where one is, the other will be also–that’s just the nature of both. What is damaging is when we allow our doubts to have the victory and faith is trampled underfoot. That’s when the bad stuff can really begin to happen! But as we learn to continue in faith in the presence of doubts we discover the fruits of faith for joyful living. Even in our meager faith the Risen Christ comes near, and in him there is eternal peace.

Thought for the Day: How do I handle my doubts?