Doubt Leads To Fear…

April 7, 2024

Second Sunday of Easter

John 20:19-31

One of my favorite quotes is as follows: “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hatred, hatred leads to suffering.” That is a direct quote from one of the greatest philosophers of all time: Master Yoda. (I have probably shared it before. Don’t worry, it won’t be the last time.) I would like to add a phrase to the beginning of that quote: “Doubt leads to fear.” Because I believe that so much of the suffering in our world is a result of doubt.

In todays Gospel, we hear the story of Thomas and his doubts that Jesus is resurrected. And I am so glad that the other apostles encouraged him to stick around, because if they had not, and Thomas had not seen the Lord, what might have happened to Thomas? Perhaps his doubts would have made him fearful. Afraid of the Romans and the Sanhedrin, and maybe afraid of any stranger. Over time, might not that fear have simmered into anger. Anger that they had killed Jesus. Maybe even anger that Jesus had allowed himself to be killed. And for that, would have he begun to hate the Romans, the Jewish leaders, the other apostles, and all that the previous three years had stood for. And then with all that hatred bubbling up from within him, what kind of suffering would he have caused for others, and more importantly, what kind of suffering would he have experienced himself. All that doubt, fear, anger, and hatred would have made Thomas miserable.

All three of today’s readings focus on the importance of community. It is in community that I become a stronger believer. This world is too confusing, violent, and dualistic for me to try and navigate it by myself. As a church community, we are challenged to cultivate an environment where all feel welcomed, valued, and included, irrespective of differences or backgrounds.

It is in a community of believers that I hear and experience stories of love. Yes, of course, there are the Gospels; the perfect stories of Jesus showing us all the way to love one another. But so often, those stories are a bit unbelievable or far fetched for a modern person, such as myself. Yes, Jesus taught to “love one another,” but he never lived in the fast-paced world of the 21st century. So, while the Gospel stories of loving one another are good for reflection, it doesn’t always equate to a real-life experience. Right?

So, it is in a community of believers that I hear and experience stories of love from real people. It is while talking to one another and sitting with others that I witness great love being shared and received. There truly are good people doing magnificent and kind things in this world. And then it all comes together. Those stories I hear in the Gospels really do translate into real-life experiences. And slowly, but ever so surely, my doubt begins to fade.

And when my doubt fades, I let go of my anger and hatred, and start to become the loving person I want to be. I begin to see Christ in others and see how beautiful each person is, just as they are. I am able to let go of my ego and my possessiveness and be a bit more charitable, both with my attitude and my possessions.

In a community of believers, I become more and more the person that God created me to be. I am able to say, just as Thomas did, “My Lord, and my God.” And with my doubt overcome, I feel empowered to tell others all about this beautiful Good News of Love.

Every Day.