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On January 14, 2011, President Barack Obama issued his proclamation for Religious Freedom Day. In upholding the values of our nation that recognizes the separation of church and state, and that there will be no establishment of a national religion, the president noted that one is even free not to believe, Obama wrote, "The writ of the Founding Fathers has upheld the ability of Americans to worship and practice religion as they choose, including the right to believe in no religion at all."
The challenge of not to believe is what confronted Jesus when he met Thomas in the Upper Room. Thomas wanted physical proof that went beyond an affirmation of faith. Thomas wanted the freedom not to believe if the facts did not substantiate a true resurrection. Jesus offered to Thomas his hands, but we will never know if he touched. What we do know is the importance for us this day of Jesus closing remark, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
It is our right to have no religion at all. It is natural for us to question as Thomas did. But, blessed are those of us who have not seen, yet still believe.
Ron L.
The challenge of not to believe is what confronted Jesus when he met Thomas in the Upper Room. Thomas wanted physical proof that went beyond an affirmation of faith. Thomas wanted the freedom not to believe if the facts did not substantiate a true resurrection. Jesus offered to Thomas his hands, but we will never know if he touched. What we do know is the importance for us this day of Jesus closing remark, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
It is our right to have no religion at all. It is natural for us to question as Thomas did. But, blessed are those of us who have not seen, yet still believe.
Ron L.
