Doubt is simply the expression of uncertainty

Good morning, happy Wednesday, and many blessings.

The context for today’s Gospel (Matthew

7:19-23

) of this text is already indicated to us the relationship between grace and responsibility, between the initiative of God and what is responded to in us. God calls and loves first, but wants a free and responsible assent: such a response is possible because God loves us first.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live our lives according to Gospel values. If we were to really follow Jesus' teaching in our lives, it would make some people uncomfortable. The Gospel reading today challenges us to make the values of the Gospel part of our life so that we will not seem just to be acting like a Christian in our daily lives but really living it. What should be the Christian’s response to doubt – both their own or that of another Christian? Within some circles of Christianity, doubt is quickly condemned with particular verses then cited as proof. For example, they read James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind,” and conclude that all doubt is bad. 

While doubt can show a lack of faith, which in particular situations could even be sinful, for he most part, doubt is simply the expression of uncertainty. There is a lack of confidence which hinders a conclusion or taking action. In the real world, having no doubts is a demonstration that something is wrong, not that something is right. The problem with doubting is not in having the doubt itself, but in what is done with that doubt. If doubt is dealt with properly, then there can be a positive outcome

We are never more vulnerable to doubting God’s goodness and care for us than when we are suffering some hardship, and such difficulties come as part of a wide variety of situations. John was suffering from physical imprisonment, but there are a lot more common tragedies in life such as: A financial crises – you lose your job and cannot find another; Someone sues you for whatever reasons, and we certainly live in a society that quickly files law suits over even silly things; A relationship turns sour with a friend, a relative, a child or your spouse; Perhaps your spouse even leaves you for someone else; An accident of some sort – auto, fire, personal injury – destroys the plans you have made and things precious to you; Death takes away someone you love, which is hard enough, but perhaps it also leaves you all alone; A debilitating disease or accident leaves you unable to do the things you once did.

There are many things that can be trying situations for difficult circumstances are part of life in this fallen world. That is why trials are described in James 1:2 as things we just run into as part of life. In our self-centeredness, we tend to look at everything from our own narrow point of view. How is doubt overcome? First honestly recognize that it is there and take it to God. Ask Him for wisdom to deal with the doubt and its causes. Second, in the midst of the confusion, go back to the Scriptures to search out the truth. Begin with the basics of the things you know are true even if other things do not make sense at the moment. And when dealing with other people who have doubts, help them do the same things. 

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+