Are we willing to allow the Lord to call us to faith?

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“Looking Ahead” is a reflection on the Sunday readings by Father Perry.

“Doubt is useful, it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it has been tested.” — David Magee.

And thank you, God, for the gift of Thomas the doubter. Such honesty and straightforwardness is refreshing and epitomizes the person of Thomas.

He insisted he would not believe if he did not see with his own eyes. But the Gospel now comes alive as Jesus’ love, care, and gentleness reaches out to Thomas.

Jesus knew what he needed: “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

He invited and called forth faith and trust in Thomas who did not disappoint.

Only Thomas is recorded as uttering these words of faith: “My Lord and my God!”

He receives this invitation from Jesus the Christ and sees, understands, and professes faith.

Do we ever doubt? Are we seekers of faith? Do we hand over doubts and questions to the Lord?

Are we willing to allow the Lord to call us to faith? Are we open to discovering, seeing, understanding, and professing deeper faith?

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, perhaps we will experience the love and mercy of God in a way that transforms our faith and gives to us new life!

Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.