MYSTERY | Mar 24-30, 2025

To catch up with our Lent journey, check out this post that explains our practice.

I really, really want to know things. I want to know how things work. I want to master concepts. I want to understand people’s motivations. I want to know the meaning behind everything. I want to insulate myself from all of life’s uncertainties and be prepared for every outcome. As Jesus brings healing to different parts of my heart and past, I recognize that this penchant for needing to know is very old and deeply rooted in all kinds of fear. The pursuit of certainty was my attempt to keep myself safe.

But belief does not require certainty. The text does not indicate that Thomas doubted the possibility of Jesus’ resurrection. Rather, his inquisitive and rational mind longed for evidence to back the claim – he wanted a tangible revelation of his own. When we define faith as an unwavering certainty in a set of beliefs, we create a hostile environment for people experiencing doubts, hesitations or questions that can cause hurt, shame or even despair. But like Thomas, who of us with our western, rational worldview would not demand evidence?

When we witness a miracle, do we not immediately turn to every other rational explanation before naming it as such?

When we hear a confession of faith that doesn’t fit our boxes, do we not question its validity?

When we sense the prompting of the Spirit, do we not run it through filters of skepticism before responding to God’s voice?

Jesus has no condemnation for Thomas; only invitation. In an act of compassion, Jesus offers his body to be inspected by Thomas to bring his soul to rest. Look and see! It’s okay! I know your hesitations and I will meet you in them.

But Jesus also knows that the pursuit of certainty will always rob us of life. He promises a better way. “Blessed are those who believe in me without seeing.” He does not ask us to deny our doubts or ‘simply’ set our questions aside. He knows what it is to be human. But he does invite us to let go of the ways we cling to certainty to ease our fears and give us a false sense of security and control. Instead, we can surrender to a mystery far greater – a Mystery of love, goodness and perfect peace that is resurrection life.

---

READ

John 20:24-29

REFLECT

Invite the Holy Spirit into your reflections and welcome the voice of Jesus to help you answer these questions.

1. How is the fear of death showing up in my life as certainty?

2. What lies am I believing about myself, others, or God that contribute to this fear?

RESPOND

Make confession.

Jesus, I surrender certainty to you and agree that mystery is the better pathway to life in you.

I renounce the lie that _____________________________________.

Now, choose repentance by turning toward God.

Today I choose to turn away from certainty and turn toward mystery.

Walk in repentance by turning towards others.

Jesus, who is someone that has been affected by the ways that certainty has expressed itself in my life? How can I be a person of life towards them by walking in mystery?

RECEIVE

Spend some time listening for the voice of Jesus and receiving his mercy and grace.

What gifts of life do you want to give me in exchange for the fear of death that causes me to turn to certainty to feel safe?

FAST

As a way of living into your repentance, consider fasting the way of busyness this week. Take the slow way. Choose the long line. Have an unhurried meal. Embrace opportunities to wait. How can you be more present to Christ this week by slowing down and being still?