April
07
Tags
My Lord and My God
I’m baaack. Thank you to my faithful readers who have graciously understood my need to take a break from posting. I have missed discovering and researching artwork and tying artistic expressions to our faith.
One of the biblical events that is talked about often after Easter is the story of Doubting Thomas. I was captivated by this painting by Bernardo Strozzi, The Incredulity of Saint Thomas. In it, we see a good example of Strozzi’s bold brushwork, rich colors, and dynamic compositions. This work is a notable depiction of Thomas’ doubting of the resurrection of Jesus until he sees and touches the wounds of Christ. It shows the pivotal moment of transition from doubt to faith. We see the all-too-human struggle with belief and the transformative power of encountering the divine.
I’ve never been comfortable with the moniker “Doubting Thomas.” I would rather call him “Honest Thomas.” It is more accurate—and it even rhymes. Because really, all Thomas is asking for is what we all would like—evidence that what we base our faith on is a sure thing.
Doubt encourages rethinking and active discernment. Its purpose is more to sharpen the mind than to change it. It poses questions, struggles for answers, and pushes for decisions.
I think back to a time when my faith was shaken by doubt. It was in my Romans class in seminary where a classmate challenged my belief in the atonement of Christ. It caused me to rethink all that I thought I knew, which eventually led me to be able to say, “This is what I believe and this is why I believe it.” Doubt didn’t make me an unbeliever but strengthened what I did believe and expanded my view of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
I also love that when Jesus confronts Thomas, he doesn’t scold him. Instead, he offers peace and concludes with a blessing, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29). His blessing is meant for us.
Being Human connection: We have no chance to see Jesus in the flesh. Yet, we give each other a chance to see Jesus when we do the same as he did—offer a word of peace and blessing to one another—whether it is deserved or not.
Featured art: The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Bernardo Strozzi, circa 1620.
Glad you are back.
Thanks! Maybe I could use some of your artwork sometime?!
Glad to see your Blog again Laurie.
Thanks for reading Darlene! Glad to be back at it.
Pithy. Perceptive. Powerful. In your pieces, I always see the work of not one, but two, artists. Thank you for your beautifully expressed thoughts, Laurie.
Thanks Mike! I like your alliteration. Glad to have you as a subscriber. I hope all is well with you and yours. Miss you!