Dear Church~
How many questions do you ask before you buy something? If you are like most people, you would never buy the first phone, computer, TV or car you looked at, no questions asked. You would expect to approach decisions like this with a healthy skepticism. You want more information. You want some answers to your questions before you move ahead.
If a friend tells you about something she saw or experienced, how many questions will you ask before you believe them? How much information do you need in order to trust them?
Questions are doubts seeking answers. They are not bad. They are healthy. They are what keep us always learning and growing.
On this first Sunday after Easter we hear the story of Thomas. He is often called "Doubting Thomas." He is often thought of as weak because he questions what the other disciples tell him about having seen Jesus.
But the truth is Jesus does not criticize Thomas. Jesus does not ignore or exclude Thomas. In fact Jesus makes a special point of reaching out to Thomas. He invites Thomas to check things out for himself. Jesus welcomes Thomas, with all his questions, and reaches out to him with open arms.
Thomas' story is our story. We don't need to pretend we have no doubts. We do not have to stuff our questions. We do not have to give up thinking.
Got questions? Have doubts? Struggling with faith and life connections? Then you may well find a home in our faith community. Here we engage real life faith questions. We seek with all our heart and mind to grow in our relationship and understanding of God in Jesus Christ.
You are always welcome here, questions and all!
See you in church!
~ Pastor Lamont
