St. Thomas, the apostle, aka “doubting Thomas,” is the first scientist called by Jesus. He brought to the apostolic ministry a unique perspective on God and science. When told of Christ’s Resurrection and subsequent appearance to Mary Magdalene, he responded, “I will believe when I see Him for myself; when I can place my fingers in the nail wounds on His hands and feet; when I can put my hand into the wound left by the sword in His side.”
When Jesus appeared in the room where the Apostles remained in hiding, He called Thomas by name and bid him do what he demanded. Thomas placed his fingers in the wounds on His hands and feet, placed his hand into the wound on Christ’s side, and proclaimed what faith did not allow prior to doing so:
“Truly, You are risen, Lord.”
Whereas fear kept the other Apostles in hiding, it was doubt that held Thomas apart from the gift of faith. One need not discover the facts prior to believing they exist. However, we do require faith to pursue facts regarding abstract and/or supernatural matters. To venture into such territories without faith, or with blind faith, leaves us vulnerable to the machinations of illusory powers. How does one then separate the Truth from the lies?
Sight is not merely a sensory perception. It is also an inner aspect of humanity comprised of the spirit or soul. We know such things exist within all living beings to various degrees. It exists within humans to a greater extent than other beings but only because we are fashioned after God’s image. How we develop that image to its fullest depends upon our words and deeds. We are given the gift of free will; to know and choose right from wrong.
Was Thomas wrong in choosing to question the faith of his brothers and sisters upon hearing the news of Christ’s Resurrection? No, but he chose to seek the proof first and faith second. Therein lies the conundrum.
Seeing, understanding, and unraveling abstract or supernatural matters demands faith first, proof second.
Blessed are you who believe without “seeing” and “touching,” for you are both seen and touched.
Blessed be our scientific brothers and sisters, for they seek the same whether they know it or not. Their pursuit to unravel mysteries benefits our quest for greater knowledge and understanding of God’s existence. In the process, we hopefully benefit from their pursuits to better the world for humanity, and they in turn, draw closer to a God who beckons them to look more closely.
