Recharge Series | Do You Have to See to Believe?

 

Friday Gospel Recharge Series

Reflection on John 20: 2-8 | Friday in the Christmas Octave, Year C - 2024

Do you have to see to believe? Often, this is the narrative many people present when challenged about the existence of God. But in reality, do we really have to see in order to believe something to be real? When the first person stepped onto the moon, the world celebrated it as a huge leap for mankind and no doubt it was. However, not everyone witnessed it firsthand. I wasn’t around in the late 1960s to witness it. I trust the event took place due to historical records. 

A more recent and relatable example of unseen belief involves the world of cryptocurrency and the stock market – fields that test the faith of both believers and sceptics. Consider the speculation surrounding investments in cryptocurrencies or stocks. Do we see tangible proof of their promised returns before investing? Many people trust word-of-mouth projections about stable coins like XRP or high-profile stocks like SpaceX, relying on speculation rather than definitive evidence Yet, as history shows, many lose their investments when those expectations do not materialise. This modern dynamic mirrors the struggle to believe in something unseen – a challenge that has persisted through history.

While many demand evidence for the existence of God, our contemporaries are not alone in needing to see in order to believe. In today’s Gospel, we read of the disciples struggle with faith in the resurrection. This doubt is first illustrated in Mary Magdalene’s initial reaction. Although a devotee of Jesus who hastened to the tomb once the sabbath was over, she ran to Peter saying, “they have taken the Lord out of the Tomb.” These words reflect her uncertainty. To have believed, she would have remembered those Jesus’ own words: “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise,” and declared he had risen instead.

Mary Magdalene is not alone in her doubt. When she informs Peter of the empty tomb, his first response is to run and inspect it himself. He does not reassure her that Jesus had risen. In a similar fashion, John, the beloved disciple, ran after Peter, as though something wrong had happened. 

The darkness of doubt pervading the minds of these disciples is clear then. Even with Jesus’ words about rising on the third day they could not fathom how he could rise after the crucifixion. St Thomas Aquinas¹ explains their mindset, noting that the Evangelist hints at their condition of their minds when he wrote: “while it was still dark.” They ran to the tomb not knowing nor understanding, running about in darkness (Ps 81:5). However, it is not until the disciple John sees “the cloth that had been over his head” that his doubt transforms to belief. By seeing, he moves from the darkness of doubt into the light of belief. 

The cloth that John notices is described as rolled up and set apart from the other garments. Parents everywhere might think this is a verse for their children: kids be good and fix your beds. This seemingly minor detail is one with great significance. St Thomas Aquinas explains the head cloth symbolised Christ’s divinity. In Ancient Near East tradition, the heads of royals, priests or self-proclaimed divine figures were adorned with distinct burial garments to signify their unique status or divinity. John would have understood this tradition. If the head cloth was with the other garments, he wouldn’t have taken much notice as it’s not that important. However, it’s separation emphasised Jesus’ divine status, leading John to recognise that he had risen. 

This brings us back to the original question: must we see to believe? While John needed to see the head cloth to trust in the resurrection, he did not witness Jesus before him in the flesh. This Gospel shows that the concept of doubt is real and even the disciples experienced it, yet the faith is a gift open to us. To receive this gift, we must step out of our carnal tendency towards doubt and trust in the unseen. We do this daily- believing in events, markets or truths we have not witnessed. Similarly, God provides signs in our lives, just as he provided one for John. When these opportunities arise, our task is to recognise them, step into the mystery of faith, and carry out the commandments obediently, trusting that remains true to his message of hope that we will rise with him on the last day.

Taking a risk on the unseen of God cost us nothing except our time and trust. Unlike misplaced investments or speculative ventures, saying yes to God does not leave us out of pocket. Instead, He fills the pockets of our hearts with peace, joy and love, the three very things we naturally desire which can only be satisfied through pursuit of truth and loyalty to God’s heart. On this Friday within the Octave of Christmas, let’s step out of our comfort zone, and embrace the mysteries of Jesus’ message of hope so that we may inherit a better future.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission for purchases made through these links, at no cost to you. 

Interested in faith-based sporting apparel that is simple, modest yet inspirational? I recommend checking out SAVD's apparels and accessories by [clicking here]. 

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1 If you are serious about biblical exegesis or would like to study this text further, I recommend the commentary on John’s Gospel by Aquinas. Most modern-day exegetes are excellent but Aquinas by far is one of the best sources we have on this Gospel. He will not disapoint. [Click here] if you would like a copy of the text. Otherwise, sign up to a theological library near you and borrow these sources. It does not hurt however to have your own collection of resources at hand.^↩

Recharge Series | Nuh Yeh Nuh Yeh Nuh Yeh: Embrace the Unexpected and Say 'Yes' to God

 Friday Gospel Recharge Series

Reflection on Luke 1: 26–38 | 3rd Friday of Advent, Year C – 2024

Have you ever experienced an unexpected event? We all, regardless of our circumstance – whether rich or poor, healthy or unwell, thriving or struggling – encounter moments that catch us off guard and demand quick action. Last week, a dear friend of mine faced one of these moments. It was deeply stressful – though, of course, not all unexpected events are negative. She had lost her job and was asked to leave. Questioning why this had happened, she began to feel her entire life was unravelling: her mortgage, her long-distance relationship, even whether she could keep the heating on. Struggling to make sense of this sudden and unfortunate change, she confided in me, wondering if her managers had seen her as incompetent or inadequate. To console her, and in my sincere belief, I reminded her of her strengths, professionalism, and resilience, assuring her that everything would improve. Yet, her experience is not unique; we all face unfavourable turn of events. 

 

On this second Friday of Advent, the Gospel¹ invites us to reflect on a very human experience – Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel. Though a woman of faith, we see that Mary was disturbed by her visitor and even questioned his message. ‘How can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ she asked when told she would bear a child and become the Mother of God. This reaction is profoundly human – an honest questioning in the face of something unimaginable.

 

Other key figures in the Gospel too, such as the disciples, questioned Jesus when confronted with challenges beyond their understanding. The disciples, for instance, asked, ‘How can one feed these people with one bread in the desert?’ Their question reflected doubt in Jesus’ ability to accomplish what seemed impossible.

 

Mary’s questioning mirrors our own when unexpected hardships strike - whether it is losing a job, facing an uncertain future, or grappling with troubling news. In these moments, we often panic, freeze, and struggle to find direction. Fear and despondency grip us, but the Gospel calls us to take a different path when we face situations that appear beyond our ability to comprehend: to recourse to God, who makes all things possible. Mary, though a great woman of faith, questioned God. Yet in the end, she trusted that He would not leave her with a task beyond her abilities. With this reassurance, she was able to respond, ‘Let what you have said be done to me.’

 

When we encounter unexpected events that threaten our existence, we must trust in God and the journey He is taking us on. If we remain trapped in doubt and invest solely on our own resources, we risk missing an - if not many - opportunities to do great things for God. Consider Mary’s impact she left on the Church. Her trust and her ‘yes’ changed history forever. Her response allowed Jesus to enter time and space, transforming hearts across continents. Her yes allowed Jesus to make known God’s love to the rich and poor alike, uniting people of all nations as His children. 

 

Imagine what we could accomplish if we, like Mary, surrendered to God’s will with those same words: ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ By trusting in God’s plans, we open ourselves to being instruments of change in the world. Like Mary, we can allow God to work through us, changing hearts and building bridges where there is division. In the Middle East, Europe, the South China Sea, and every corner of the world, courageous hearts are needed – hearts ready to surrender, to serve, and to leave an indelible mark of peace and renewal with the grace of God for generations to come.

 

In the face of the most unexpected events, this Gospel calls us to vigilance against the sin of doubt as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child. No matter how uncertain God’s will may seem, it is in providence that we are called to trust and follow. Do not let the question ‘how can this be’ inhibit us from doing great things this Christmas. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission for purchases made through these links, at no cost to you. 

Interested in faith-based sporting apparel that is simple, modest yet inspirational? I recommend checking out SAVD's apparels and accessories by [clicking here]. 

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1 If you are after an excellent translation of the Bible [click here]. I have also left a hyperlink in the body of the blog for your convenience. However, the New Revised Standard Version by Thomas Nelson can be found [here]. ^↩

Recharge Series | Investing in Jesus Is the Safest Gamble of All

 

Friday Gospel Recharge Series

Reflection on Matthew 9: 27–31 | 1st Friday of Advent, Year C – 2024

In the last month and a half, I have taken an interest in everything crypto without really giving it the due diligence it deserves, such as investing time in studying the crypto world before making a smart investment. This lack of research really comes down to my level of motivation to delve deeply into the technicalities and psychology of investing. I often find myself daunted by the jargon and the mental stamina required to fully grasp it all. Instead, I’ve been relying on trend lines, past performance, and hopeful predictions to decide whether to invest in a particular coin. Alongside this, I’ve recently started reading The Intelligent Investor, a book about investment strategies that which emphasizes patience and choosing the right stocks and bonds based on a company’s profitable operations and strong financial conditions. Based on what I’ve learned so far, I’m far from being a smart investor—I've simply chosen to be lazy.

Despite my lazy approach—and I’m not boasting, far from it—I’ve gotten lucky, managing to double my small initial investment. While this is hardly life-changing, it has taught me something valuable: every decision I make about a digital coin reminds me of the inherent risk. Should I sell now and potentially miss out on further profits, or should I hold and risk losing a portion—or even all—of my investment? Each decision feels like a gamble, balancing the potential for reward with the fear of loss.

But crypto isn’t the only area in life where we encounter risk. Most of the decisions we make carry some element of uncertainty. Whether it’s choosing a life partner, navigating career paths, or even following medical advice, every choice requires a leap of faith. Investing time in one activity over another—like reading instead of exercising or pursuing a side project instead of relaxing—is a gamble on how we allocate our time and resources. These risks are part of the fabric of life, yet they also offer opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and learning.

One risk, however, stands apart: taking a leap of faith in Jesus’ message. Unlike crypto or career decisions, faith in Jesus doesn’t demand material resources or exhaustive research. It simply requires us to invest our will in trusting Him. The blind men in Matthew 9:27-31¹ took that risk when they cried out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” They risked rejection, ridicule, and disappointment, but their faith was rewarded with healing and restoration. Jesus made them see again. Similarly, Jesus invites us to take the risk of aligning our lives with His teachings, promising that the return on this investment is life giving. It’s a gamble, yes, but one where the outcome—hope, peace, and a life rooted in grace—is worth far more than any temporary gain.

This Advent, as we await the arrival of the Christ child, let’s reflect on how often we’ve taken a risk on faith in Jesus compared to other investments. Do we find peace when we place our trust in Him, or does it leave us in discord? If we discover that faith in Jesus brings true peace, we can be confident that He is the safest and most rewarding investment we can make.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no cost to you.

Interested in faith-based sporting apparel that is simple, modest yet inspirational? I recommend checking out SAVD's apparels and accessories by [clicking here]. 

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1 I have included a hyperlink in the main text to direct you to a favourite and reliable translation of the New Testament. My preferred version is the RSV, an inclusive translation that uses exclusive language. However, if you are interested in a translation with more inclusive language, the NRSV is equally excellent. The main difference is that where the NRSV might use "humankind," the RSV renders it as "mankind." If you would like a Bible that consistently uses inclusive language, [click here] for highly recommended translation by Thomas Nelson. As a former seminarian, I had access to a wide range of scholarly resources, something I truly miss from those student days. If you [click here], you will be directed to an excellent resource – a transliteration of the Greek New Testament in English – ideal for seminarians or anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the original texts. Additionally, as mentioned previously, many local religious Orders have theological libraries open to the public, where you may access this resource for free if they are available. ^↩