Cogges Parish newsletter May 2004

From the newsletter ...

The people I meet

One of the privileges of ministry is meeting many different people from a great variety of walks of life. Part of the role also involves listening to people and sharing in their hopes and fears, their pain and doubt. All this is very often just under the surface, hidden from public view. I love reading the gospels because they give many accounts of interesting people that Jesus met and they had their doubts and fears too.

After Easter we think of Thomas, perhaps unfairly remembered as doubting Thomas because of the one occasion when he didn't believe the disciples when they saw the risen Lord. I have often wondered how I would have reacted if I were in his shoes? In the event Jesus came to him and showed him the proof he was looking for, the holes in his hands and side. Yet I cannot help but feel that doubts and questions are a good thing at times. However sure of our beliefs we may be, we all have our doubts. This is nothing to be ashamed of, or to fear. Rather, God is able to take our questioning and lead us into a deeper understanding of himself, his love and his grace. Understood in this way we can see that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but rather an essential part of our journey.

We may not be able to say with John Newman "Firmly I believe and truly..." rather our experience may be nearer to the father of a sick child who approached Jesus and said "I believe, help me with my unbelief'.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

William Cowper

James Howson

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