From Doubt to Faith

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio, c. 1602

The Transformative Journey of Thomas

In the gospel of John, we encounter the story of Thomas, often remembered as "Doubting Thomas." His journey from skepticism to profound faith serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of encountering Jesus.

Despite witnessing the miracles and teachings of Jesus alongside his disciples, Thomas struggled to believe in the resurrection. When his companions joyously proclaimed encountering the risen Lord, Thomas remained skeptical, demanding tangible proof. It's a relatable human response—doubt often creeps in when faced with the miraculous.

Yet, Jesus, in His infinite grace and compassion, didn't cast Thomas aside for his doubt. Instead, He met Thomas in his skepticism, offering not condemnation but an invitation to deeper faith. When Jesus appeared to the disciples again, He specifically addressed Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds, to see and believe.

In that moment of encounter, doubt gave way to awe-inspiring faith. As Thomas beheld the scars of Jesus' crucifixion, he uttered the profound confession, "My Lord and my God!" In that declaration, Thomas not only acknowledged Jesus' resurrection but also His divine identity.

Thomas' journey teaches us that doubt doesn't disqualify us from encountering Jesus; rather, it serves as a catalyst for deeper faith. Jesus invites us, like Thomas, to bring our doubts and skepticism to Him, knowing that He meets us where we are and leads us into profound revelation.

As we navigate our own seasons of doubt and uncertainty, may we be encouraged by Thomas' story. Let us approach Jesus with our questions and uncertainties, knowing that He lovingly invites us to explore, to touch His wounds, and to encounter the reality of His resurrection. In that encounter, doubt can be transformed into unshakable faith, and we, like Thomas, can declare, "My Lord and my God!"

Soli Deo Gloria

Doubting Thomas

Reading John 20: 24-29

Many of us can identify with St. Thomas as the patron Saint of Doubt. We are constantly bombarded with situations where we have to decide to believe or disbelieve, to trust or distrust, facts or fiction, and so on and so forth. Yet over time the decisions we make mold us into becoming who we are today. When the disciples break the good news that Jesus is alive, Thomas is very clear about his terms of faith in the resurrection. Unless he sees and touches the scars on Jesus’ hands and side, he remains steadfast in his disbelief of the testimony of the disciples (John 20:24-25). We wonder where Thomas was when Jesus appeared to the disciples. Did Thomas stay away from the fellowship of the disciples because he is so brokenhearted from the betrayal, arrest, duplicitous trial and brutal death of Jesus? 

There are two notable incidents in the gospel of John where we see Thomas speaking passionately to Jesus and the disciples. The first time is when Jesus is called urgently to come to Judea to heal the dying Lazarus, however the Jews were all set to stone him if they crossed paths. Thomas, filled with love and loyalty to Jesus, courageously says he would go with Jesus to his death (John 11:7-16). The second time is at the last supper when Jesus reveals he is going away soon to the father saying, “You know the way to where I am going” (John 14:4-7). On hearing this revelation Thomas says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” The impatient despair in Thomas’s frank question to Jesus is clear evidence that he doesn’t really understand who Jesus was or what he meant by this departing dialogue.

Is Thomas so brokenhearted that he just can’t get past the grief and doubts that overwhelm him? Or is it that he desperately longs to have the same personal experience that the other disciples had with the Lord? It is amazing that even after being with Jesus at the raising of Lazarus from the dead, he just does not understand that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

A week later Jesus comes back to visit his disciples and this time Thomas is with them. Jesus knows Thomas has doubts so he asks Thomas to touch and see that all his conditions for belief are met. Looking at Jesus with awe and reverence all he can say is, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus says to Thomas,”You believe because you have seen with your own eyes. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:26-29). Jesus says we are blessed if we can believe in his resurrection without having seen him like his disciples.The gospel message that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God by whom we all receive eternal life can be found in the Bible. The sermons and parables of Jesus, along with the testimony, epistles and acts of the apostles are all we need to believe. Above all practicing the two commandments that are fundamental to our faith and witness as Christians is our love for God and our neighbor.

Don’t we all have our share of doubts and need for personal experiences? We have our own threshold for when we are willing to believe anyone or anything. Isn’t the opposite of doubt, faith? St. Anselm of Canterbury of the eleventh century is famous for his quote, “faith seeking understanding” (fides quaerens intellectum). What he means by that often misunderstood quote is, “an active love for God seeking a deeper knowledge of God.” To build our faith in Jesus, we have to first accept that God loves us and we in turn love him too. Just as St. Anselm’s love drove him to a deeper knowledge, we should use this as a model to grow our faith through this mutual bond of love with the Lord. As we face trials and tests in our lives that cause us to doubt, we learn to grow in faith by the confidence (hope) that God loves us and wants the best for us in our life. St. Paul says that to build our faith without love is really nothing of any value (1 Corinthians 13:2).

In the psalms we see that the Psalmists never question whether God exists but they lament crying out to God why they have been abandoned or their enemies have dominion over them. It is amusing that in St. Anselm’s book, Proslogion, he writes about the “Fool” who has said in his heart, “There is no God” (like the psalmist says Psalm 14:1). In this meditation he strives to reach the Christians who seek a rational basis for their faith in God. St. Anselm’s conclusion with so much of reverence and awe is, “A being than which none greater can be conceived must exist, and we call this being God.”

St. Paul says that God decides the measure of faith each one receives (Romans 12:3). For some faith is a God given gift. A key to faith is to humbly understand our identity in Christ. We judge ourselves conscientiously based on how God sees us and not as the world does. To some doubt is a normal phase in their spiritual lives, there is no need to be alarmed by those thoughts and feelings.  Michael Faraday the brilliant scientist who grew up in a good Christian home, became a believer much later in his life. He was a faithful member of a church from boyhood but passed through a sea of doubts until one day he came to humbly witness the reality of Christ in his life. It was his perseverance to seek God through his fellowship with other believers and share in their faith experiences that leads him to finally become a believer (Luke 11:5-12). When brilliant scientists like Faraday doubt yet still believe it gives us hope.

C. S. Lewis in his book “ Grief Observed ” writes about the pain of losing his wife when he doubted the goodness and fairness of God. He says, “My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered from time to time. He shatters it himself. He is the great iconoclast. Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of his presence?” When spiritual giants like Lewis doubt yet still believe, it gives us hope. To Lewis, faith comes to us as a gift, the grace of the comforting presence of God reaching out and touching our shattered lives, when we confront significant downturns like death, disease, alcoholism, drug addiction, abuse, bankruptcy etc. Like the potter shapes and reshapes each piece to his delight, so God shapes us into masterpieces with his skill and creativity (Ephesians 2:10).

Jesus said to to Thomas,”You believe because you have seen with your own eyes. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:26-29).  How do we believe in an invisible God? It is by being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12).  St Paul urges us to offer our lives as a living sacrifice to God and use our gifts to serve one another in love (Romans 12:1-2, 6-8). We are bound to face trials and turbulences in our lives. Can we climb half way up a mountain and then give up? If we do reach heights that seem unscalable in life, with the help of the Holy Spirit we persist in prayer like the parable of the persistent widow until we find our way again (Luke 18:1-8). There will be times we lament with all our heart to God like the Psalmist until we are comforted by the presence of God in our lives (Psalm 55:17). The important act of faith is to pray fervently and not let our problems and pain fester within us. When we articulate our doubts to a caring prayer fellowship group it helps to clean up the toxicity in our lives. The path to spiritual maturity is through childlike humility of learning to trust in the path God has carved out for us to walk through (Matthew 18:1-4). A critical step in prayer is when we surrender our doubts to a loving God and ask him to help us understand with the help of the Holy Spirit enlightening us with God’s Word. We stand on the promises that God the author and perfecter of our faith will mold us to be perfect one day. (Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:29-30; Philippians 1:6). 

Prayer: - Lord Jesus, your living presence in the lives of Thomas and the other disciples drew them with chords of love to believe in your resurrection. Oh Lord shine in our hearts the light of your glory that we may grow in faith, hope and love to believe in you as our Savior and Lord. Amen

Soli Deo Gloria

In the Footsteps of St. Thomas

A Historical Odyssey of the Mar Thoma Church

Nestled in the rich tapestry of India's religious landscape lies the Mar Thoma Church, a vibrant and dynamic Christian denomination with a history spanning over centuries. From its humble beginnings to its present-day global outreach, the Mar Thoma Church has undergone a remarkable journey of faith, resilience, and growth. In this blog, we embark on a journey through time to explore the intriguing history, transformative reformation, and enduring legacy of the Mar Thoma Church. The term "Mar Thoma" has its origins in Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic, which was the language spoken by Jesus and his disciples. In Syriac, "Mar" is an honorific title meaning "Saint," and "Thoma" is the Syriac equivalent of the name "Thomas." Therefore, "Mar Thoma" translates to "Saint Thomas."

Pre-Reformation Era: The origins of the Mar Thoma Church trace back to the arrival of St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, on the shores of India in AD 52. St. Thomas's missionary zeal led him to establish Christian communities along the Malabar Coast, laying the foundation for what would become one of India's oldest Christian traditions. Tradition has it that St. Thomas organized seven Christian communities, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the nascent Christian faith in India. These communities, including Cranganore, Niranam, and Quilon, served as beacons of light amidst the diverse cultural landscape of ancient India.

Reformation Movement: Fast forward to the 19th century, and the Mar Thoma Church found itself at a crossroads. Inspired by the ideals of the Protestant Reformation and the teachings of the New Testament, visionary leaders like Palakunnathu Abraham Malpan and Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan embarked on a journey of spiritual renewal and reform. Their efforts aimed to restore the purity of the early Church, emphasizing salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, the priesthood of all believers, and the primacy of the Word of God.

The Reformation movement faced resistance from within the Church hierarchy, leading to a split and subsequent legal battles. However, the reformists remained steadfast in their convictions, eventually leading to the establishment of an independent Mar Thoma Church under the leadership of Mathews Mar Athanasius. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the reformists' unwavering faith and commitment to biblical principles laid the groundwork for a revitalized and spiritually vibrant community.

Post-Reformation Era: The aftermath of the Reformation saw the Mar Thoma Church emerge as a resilient and forward-looking institution. Despite the loss of material possessions and legal battles, the Church experienced exponential growth and expansion, both within India and beyond. Today, the Mar Thoma Church boasts a global presence, with parishes and congregations spanning continents and a diverse community united by a shared faith and heritage.

The Church's commitment to education, social welfare, and ecumenical engagement underscores its holistic approach to ministry and mission. From schools and colleges to hospitals and social welfare institutions, the Mar Thoma Church continues to make a meaningful impact on society, guided by the principles of love, compassion, and service.

As we reflect on the rich history and enduring legacy of the Mar Thoma Church, we are reminded of its remarkable journey of faith, resilience, and transformation. From its humble beginnings to its present-day global outreach, the Mar Thoma Church stands as a testament to the enduring power of the Gospel and the unwavering commitment of its members. As we look to the future, may the Mar Thoma Church continue to shine as a beacon of hope, love, and reconciliation in a world in need of healing and redemption.

Soli Deo Gloria

The St. Thomas Christians of India

The St. Thomas Christians, also known as Nasranis (Followers of The Nazarene), are an ancient Christian community in India whose tradition traces its origin to the Apostle Thomas. According to tradition, St. Thomas arrived in the southwestern coast of India in the 1st century AD and evangelized in various regions. The St. Thomas Christians have a rich history, unique traditions, and a distinct form of Christianity within the broader Indian context. Here are some key aspects of their faith:

1. Apostolic Connection: St. Thomas Christians claim a direct apostolic connection to St. Thomas, affirming that he established Christian communities in India. This tradition is foundational to their identity and is reflected in the name "St. Thomas Christians."

2. Liturgical Heritage: St. Thomas Christians have a distinctive liturgical heritage that combines elements of Eastern Christianity with indigenous Indian customs. They follow various liturgical traditions, including the East Syriac Rite and West Syriac Rite, and use Syriac, Malayalam, and other languages in their worship.

3. Syriac Influence: The Syriac Christian influence on St. Thomas Christians is notable, and Syriac remains an important liturgical and cultural language for them. The use of Syriac in their worship distinguishes them from other Christian communities in India.

4. Ecclesiastical Independence: Historically, the St. Thomas Christians were connected to the Church of the East but gradually developed their ecclesiastical structures. Over time, divisions and affiliations with different Christian denominations occurred, leading to the existence of various St. Thomas Christian denominations today, including the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

5. Cultural Integration: St. Thomas Christians have integrated Indian cultural elements into their Christian practices. This fusion is evident in their art, architecture, and celebrations. The blending of Indian traditions with Christianity has resulted in a unique cultural expression.

6. Religious Tolerance: The history of St. Thomas Christians includes interactions with various religious communities in India. Their traditions reflect a degree of religious tolerance and accommodation, allowing for a distinctive coexistence with the diverse religious landscape of India.

7. Contributions to Christianity in India: St. Thomas Christians have made significant contributions to the growth of Christianity in India. They played a role in early evangelization and continue to contribute to theological, educational, and social aspects of Indian Christianity.

While the St. Thomas Christian community is diverse with various denominations and traditions, their shared heritage and apostolic origin continue to shape their faith and identity in the context of India's religious and cultural diversity.

Soli Deo Gloria

From Galilee to Malabar

Navigating the Seas of Faith

Roman trade in the subcontinent 

according to the Periplus Maris Erythraei1st century CE

In the annals of history, the journey of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, holds a unique allure. Tradition holds that St. Thomas ventured to India, traversing the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean to spread the message of Christianity. His arrival in India, set against the backdrop of ancient maritime trade and military expeditions, intertwines faith with the realities of a bustling maritime world.

Setting Sail: Maritime Indo-Roman Trade in Antiquity

During the 1st century AD, the Indian Ocean served as a bustling thoroughfare of trade and cultural exchange. From the bustling ports of the Roman Empire to the kingdoms of the Indian subcontinent, maritime trade routes crisscrossed the vast expanse of the ocean, connecting distant lands in a web of commerce and diplomacy.

Roman historian Pliny the Elder once remarked, "India, China, and the Arabian Peninsula...are pouring their treasures into the lap of the world." Indeed, the riches of the East, including spices, silk, pearls and precious stones, flowed westward along maritime routes that spanned from the Red Sea to the Malabar Coast of India.

War and Commerce on the High Seas

The maritime domain was not merely a realm of peaceful trade but also a theater of conflict and conquest. Ancient empires and kingdoms vied for control of lucrative trade routes, employing formidable naval fleets to safeguard their interests and expand their influence.

The Roman Empire, with its mighty navy, patrolled the Mediterranean Sea and ventured into the Indian Ocean in search of wealth and power. Roman historian Tacitus chronicled the exploits of Roman fleets in distant waters, highlighting their encounters with the kingdoms of India and the riches they brought back to Rome.

In the East, Indian kingdoms such as the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties boasted formidable maritime capabilities of their own. They deployed fleets of sturdy ships, equipped with sails and oars, to safeguard trade routes and engage in commerce with distant lands.

St. Thomas: A Voyage of Faith

Amidst the ebb and flow of maritime trade and military expeditions, the figure of St. Thomas emerges as a beacon of faith navigating the tumultuous seas of antiquity. Tradition holds that St. Thomas, guided by his unwavering belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ, embarked on a journey that would take him to the shores of India.

As he traversed the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, St. Thomas bore witness to the bustling ports and bustling markets that dotted the coastline. He encountered diverse cultures and peoples, sharing the message of Christianity with those he met along the way.

Conclusion: Faith on the High Seas

In retracing the journey of St. Thomas through the maritime world of ancient India, we glimpse the profound intersection of faith and history. Against the backdrop of bustling ports and naval conquests, St. Thomas embarked on a voyage of spiritual enlightenment, leaving an indelible mark on the shores of India and the annals of Christianity. As we navigate the seas of faith in our own lives, may we draw inspiration from the courage and conviction of those who sailed before us, guided by their unwavering belief in the power of divine providence.

 

Soli Deo Gloria