Courage and Questioning

This morning’ sermon was on the story of Doubting Thomas, the gospel story told every year on the week after Easter. This year the sermon was given by Pamela Yarrow, a retired minister who is now part of our congregation. She often brings an interesting interpretation or perspective to her talks, and today was no different. She talked about Thomas as a man of courage.

At a time when all the other disciples were in hiding because of the uproar following the disappearance of Jesus’ body from the tomb, Thomas was away from the house when Jesus first came to the disciples. We don’t know what Thomas was doing - buying food? checking to see whether it was safe for everyone to leave hiding? I had never thought to question why he wasn’t at home before.

Thomas also showed courage by asking questions. Pamela acknowledged that we all have doubts about our own faith sometimes. She related how much she struggled with the joyous Easter season a few months after her husband’s death. On Jesus’ second visit, he responded to Thomas’ questions with gentleness. In fact, Jesus always welcomed genuine questions and answered them, she said, noting the examples of Nicodemus and Mary the sister of Lazarus. God answers questioning with gentleness, rather than abandoning us or scolding or having raised them. That is a perfect thought for a time of Pandemic, when we all need to treat each other with gentleness and strive to explain rather than demonize. And a time when we need courage to continue self-isolating, caring for those who are vulnerable, and going out into the world (whether it is to buy groceries or to find new ways to connect with others).