"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!": Advent Day Seventeen 17/12/24
Welcome to day seventeen of our Advent journey. Today, I want to explore an experience that touches every one of our lives: doubt. This complex emotion deserves our careful attention, especially during Advent—this sacred season of waiting and preparation.
Living a life of faith presents unique challenges in our modern world. Moments of uncertainty aren't just normal—they're often essential to spiritual growth. These challenges manifest in various ways: questioning long-held beliefs, struggling with unanswered prayers, or feeling disconnected from God during difficult times. For young Catholics especially, these doubts surface as they navigate social and cultural pressures in an increasingly secular society.
During Advent, when the world around us sparkles with celebration and joy, experiencing doubt can feel particularly unsettling. How can we reconcile our uncertainties with the season's call to hope and anticipation?
Throughout Christian history, we find countless examples of faithful individuals who wrestled with doubt while maintaining deep spirituality. Consider Mary's initial response to the Annunciation—her question, "How can this be?" wasn't a rejection of God's plan but rather an honest expression of human uncertainty faced with divine mystery.
The beauty of doubt lies in its potential to deepen our faith. Like a muscle that grows stronger through resistance training, our faith often strengthens after wrestling with difficult questions. During this Advent season, we're invited to examine our doubts not as obstacles to overcome, but as opportunities for authentic spiritual growth.
Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' - John 20:29
This passage speaks directly to our modern experience. Think about it - how often have you wished for concrete proof of your beliefs? In an age of instant fact-checking and viral debunking videos, it can feel particularly challenging to maintain faith in something you can't verify through a Google search or scientific study.
Even Mother Teresa (St Teresa of Calcutta), one of the most recognised religious figures of the 20th century, wrestled with intense spiritual doubts. She wrote candidly: "I have no Faith. I dare not utter the words and thoughts that crowd in my heart and make me suffer untold agony."
If someone who dedicated her entire life to serving others could experience such profound doubts, imagine how validating this is for us who are just beginning our faith journeys.
Think about your own experience: Maybe you've felt awkward when friends question your beliefs, or you've wondered if you're naïve for having faith in an age of scepticism. Perhaps you've struggled to explain your beliefs to peers who view religion as outdated, or you've questioned your faith while studying science or philosophy, I have too. These struggles aren't just normal - they're actually valuable parts of developing a mature, thoughtful faith that can withstand real-world challenges.
Remember: Your doubts don't make you a "bad" believer - they make you an honest one. Just like working out strengthens your muscles, wrestling with difficult questions can actually strengthen your faith. Your questions and uncertainties aren't signs of failure - they're evidence that you're taking your spiritual journey seriously.
Making It Real: Practical Steps
There are several practical ways to work through your doubts.
You could start by journalling them - writing down your questions and uncertainties can help you process them more clearly. Finding a trusted mentor or spiritual director gives you someone experienced to discuss your questions with and gain valuable perspective. It's also important to create space for both doubt and faith through contemplative prayer, allowing yourself to sit with these feelings. Additionally, reading about others who have walked this path before you can provide comfort and guidance, showing that you're not alone in your journey.
Today's Reflection
- What specific doubts am I carrying this Advent season?
- How might these questions actually be invitations to deeper faith?
- Where do I see God working, even in the midst of uncertainty?
Finding Your Own Path
Remember that your faith journey is uniquely yours. While others may seem unshakeable in their beliefs, authentic faith often grows stronger through wrestling with doubt. Your questions don't separate you from God - they can actually draw you closer.
Prayer
"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)
Your Personal Invitation
This week, choose one doubt that troubles you most. Instead of pushing it away, spend time exploring it through prayer, journaling, or conversation with a trusted friend or family member. Let it become a doorway to deeper understanding rather than a barrier to faith.
God bless,
Mel
