Ofparadisehopeful - My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less

It's a shame that Thomas is forever known for his doubt, because he has one of the most beautiful expressions of faith in the Gospels.

Doubt is only where his story starts. He's the only skeptic of the group because he's the only one who wasn't there at the first sighting. It's easy for the others to believe--they've already seen Jesus. Thomas, by only believing what he sees, is doing nothing less than what the other apostles have done. Yet as soon as he sees Jesus, he expresses faith that goes far beyond what they have shown.

His response to seeing Jesus isn't, "Oh, they were telling the truth." It's not, "You really are Jesus," or even, "You really are alive."

The first thing he says is, "My Lord and my God!"

This isn't just Thomas confirming facts. This isn't him building a scaffolding of observation and logic to work his way to understanding. This is him falling headfirst into the bright light of truth. He instantly understands that this is much more than one man risen from the dead, that the world is far more glorious than even the other apostles believed. His God is standing before him, and he doesn't hesitate to adore.

Thomas believes because he sees, but this belief goes far beyond what he can see. His exclamation isn't just an acceptance of the reality in front of his eyes, but a belief in a reality that is impossible to see or know without the gift of faith that comes from encountering the Risen Christ. The revelation and the faith are divine gifts, and Thomas' response to them is beautiful, and I think he deserves more credit for it.

"Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next."

- St. Teresa of Calcutta

the day the fandom realizes arya isn’t always ‘masculine’ and sansa isn’t always ‘feminine’ theyre just two traumatized children navigating are world that’s against them

i don’t think there’s anything funnier than saying “god forbid women do anything” in response to women doing the most objectively horrifying actions possible.

is this relatable to everyone or just me