In defense of signs and wonders

Disclaimer: I have a obsession with trying to get Thomas off the hook.

I worry that this weekend’s Gospel story of “doubting” Thomas is reduced to condemnation of people whose devotion is based on experience.

Is Thomas’ sin not so much asking for proof, but not believing the proof he already had? There were signs and wonders already performed, and the love he had already experienced in the person of Jesus. Was this Jesus’ way of telling Thomas that those would have to be enough for a little while, because he was going away?

Are we supposed to feel superior to those who came to believe because of signs and wonders? I have been guilty of characterizing them as more interested in the the magic show than in the mission. After all, I wasn’t there for Jesus’ miracles, and I manage to believe. Aren’t I wonderful.

But to say I haven’t experienced the miraculous is hogwash. My family, my friends, my career, these are all miracles. God’s mercy, God’s grace are all miracles. These I’ve seen, these I’ve believed. All my devotion is based on experience, and a commitment I chose because of the experience of God in my life.

So I don’t believe the message of today’s Gospel is to not go looking for signs and wonders. Rather, let’s seek signs and wonders everywhere, adding them to the pile of evidence that points toward mercy and grace. Let us be signs and wonders to one another.

What are your signs and wonders?