The first reading today from Acts Chapter 4 opens:
The community of believers was of one heart and mind...
Why is that so impossible for us today? Perhaps I have already been too influenced by Pope Francis, but I can't wonder if the central issue is not a lack of humility.
We tend to refer to the central figure from Sunday's gospel as doubting Thomas but he was not condemned for doubt. What was condemned was unbelief. Those are two very different things.
The doubter is unsure. The doubter has questions. The doubter may be difficult to deal with but the door is open. Often doubt can lead us to a deeper understanding of our faith.
Unbelief, "I don't believe you," has decided. Unbelief is no longer searching, no longer questioning. The door is closed. Unbelief is certain that the opposite opinion is wrong.
If we are truly humble we may have doubts about some part of the teachings of the Church, but we never reach unbelief. True humility keeps the doors of our heart and mind always open and willing to truly listen. True humility is always willing, when needed, to say, "I am wrong" or more often "I'm not sure" or "I don't know."
The next time someone you disagree with speaks, try humility. You might be surprised what you hear.
