Despite all the predictions (which may not have sunk in at the time), Thomas found it too hard to believe that Jesus had risen when the other disciples told him. He wanted to see for himself. Jesus then said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”. What is the virtue in believing without seeing? There are certain atheists who believe that the world would be a better place if people only believed what can be proved by the scientific method. Some even say it is wrong to believe things that cannot be verified in this way. That confines us to a very limited field of possible reality. Is reality really that small? Can nothing exist apart from what our finite minds can grasp? Are human reason and the senses really the only means by which we can grasp truth? The burden of proof lies with those who make these rules for reasonable belief. Why does Jesus say that they are blessed who believe without seeing? They are blessed because they have opened their minds and hearts to a reality that is greater than what the eyes can see and what the mind can fathom. There is more to reality than what you can see or imagine. The mind of man is not the measure of reality, nor should we limit reality to the limits of our reason. Blessed are those who are able to believe without seeing for only such faith is real faith.
Reflect on the transcendent greatness of God and worship him.
Read John 20:19-31
