Speak Over Doubt

A Reflection on the Gospel for May 24th, 2020:
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

---

Matthew 28.16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
​

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

Doubt is used as a verb to describe both feeling uncertain and to be afraid. Uncertainty and fear. For many, including myself, this is a season of doubt. With so many unknowns in our world right now, it can be so easy to fall into a pattern of unsureness, having doubt in oneself and maybe even doubt in God. Experiencing doubt often leaves you feeling indecisive, pessimistic, and without motivation. I often find myself feeling guilty for my doubt. Being consumed by uncertainty can produce sentiments of feeling “stuck” that may reach all corners of your life. God certainly does not desire these feelings for us. Our loving Father wants nothing more than for us to thrive in sureness and joy. But, fortunately for us, He is also an understanding Father. He knows that doubt is a normal human emotion and He does not condemn us for it. 


In fact, during one of the most important messages that Jesus gave, He surrounded Himself with doubters. This Sunday’s gospel, The Great Commission, is for everyone. Jesus invites all people to receive His message. Although it is okay to have doubts, it is important to know that we are still called by the Lord to live out His purpose for us each day. No matter where you are in your faith, you should always share your faith with others. Never let the shame of your doubts get in the way of loving others as the Lord would. Each and every person's testimony is valuable and impactful, whether they have doubts or not. Jesus does not simply call the most faithful and most convicted, but He calls every single one of us into His mission. 


Doubt should not silence us. Rather, it should be used to exemplify that every person can have a relationship with God, as He is with us always. Your voice always has power when you use it for the Lord. And in turn, practicing sharing with others will only strengthen your faith. Gathering together is so important. In times of doubt, I find myself wary of gathering with others or to share my faith. But, these experiences only end up reinforcing my love for God, and the knowledge that He loves me too. As Church, we can be so instrumental in helping to strengthen each other's faith by experiencing those times of worshipping together and sharing, despite our faults and doubts (everyone has them!).

​
Let us pray that we may have the courage to overcome our doubts, and that we not refrain from sharing God’s goodness while we maneuver our way through uncertainty. Amen. ​




Megan Noye

Photo by Philippine FITAMANT on Unsplash

---