OVERCOMING FEAR AND DOUBT LEADS TO EMPOWERMENT AND PEACE
 

Fear and doubt are the most dominant emotions in our world. Though fear can help keep us safe. Fear helps us to run away from danger and things that can do us harm. But to live in constant fear and endlessly running is not a sign of faith. Fear and doubt leads to immobility, lack of personal growth and lack of inner peace. Those who live in constant fear and doubt shut themselves in just like the disciples of Jesus, who out of fear, shut themselves off from the world. Though sometimes we may doubt in order to have clear understanding. Sometimes we may doubt because we want to know more. But to live in constant self-doubt is a sign of lack of confidence and trust. Doubt draw people away from facing their fear. Doubt makes people not to believe in their own ability and power, and to use those gifts for good. Doubt makes people hesitant in trusting their own ability and trusting God. Thomas doubted that Christ has risen from the death because he was afraid to believe in what he cannot see. He was afraid to follow the power of faith. He was afraid to trust in the power of God who can do all things. By doubting the resurrection, Thomas was actually saying that he does not believe in the God. The power of God does not manifest in fear and doubt. The disciples of Jesus shut themselves inside out of fear and doubt. Jesus appeared to them and said, “peace be with you.” The appearance of Jesus and the words of Jesus were great empowerment to his disciples. It brought peace and joy into their hearts and dispelled their fear and doubt. Being empowered, they no longer live in fear of anything. Their lives were changed. They began to live life of love, expressed in sincere generosity. Praying with joy and breaking bread together in communion. Preaching the word of God without fear. God continued to work wonders through them. Though Thomas doubted that Christ has risen from the dead because he wanted to see before he could believe. When Jesus appeared again and he saw and touched Jesus, he eventually professed his faith in Jesus. He said, “My Lord and my God.” He did not continue to live in constant doubt. How often people doubt the existence of God because they cannot see or touch God. When people overcome their doubt they are empowered by faith. Though Thomas believed because he could see and touch Jesus. Jesus told him that true faith does not consist only on the sense of sight and touch. Faith consists on what we can see and those we cannot see. “Blessed are those who have not seen and believed.” Though you have not seen him yet you love him, you believe in him and you rejoice in him. St. Peter remains us that our faith in God will not fail us but will lead us to salvation and joy. As we celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday. We are reminded about God’s unconditional mercy for humanity through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Divine Mercy Incarnate. By his suffering, death and resurrection he has opened the fountain of God’s mercy for us. After his resurrection Jesus did not forget to empower his disciples to pour out the mercy of God on those in need of it. He empowered his disciples to forgive sins. “Whose sin you forgive are forgiven them.” Through this empowerment Jesus made it easy that those who sincerely ask for forgiveness and mercy will receive it. We are called to come to the fountain of mercy of God through the Eucharistic table and through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May our faith in Jesus dispel every fear and doubt from our life and bring us peace and joy.