When I was a child, I can remember doubting that I’d get the Christmas present I longed for. Later, my doubts were likely focused on desired test scores or on whether a boy I liked felt the same way about me—all normal situations of doubt that aren’t difficult to discuss. Doubts of faith, however, are another matter completely: one we keep unspoken and refuse to share with others, including God. Maybe it’s shame that silences us, but whether a fleeting thought, or something longer-lasting, doubts of faith occur for most of us at some point in our lives. This Sunday’s readings, thankfully, show us that we aren’t alone and that if we bring our doubts with us into prayer, God won’t abandon us. He knows us, loves us, and wants a life-giving relationship with us.
For example, in our First Reading from Exodus 17, the Israelites doubt God’s presence and complain, yet God still provides water for them. God doesn’t abandon them because of their doubts. Further, in the Gospel from John (4:5–42), the Samaritan woman brings her real questions, confusion, and skepticism to Jesus (“Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob?”). Though He reveals that He knows her, flaws and all, Jesus does not shut her down. He engages her honestly and patiently. He shares the Good News of salvation with her, even relying on her to spread the message to others. Her doubts are gone. She has learned that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and He has found her worthy of such an important task.
This same message is for us, as well. Jesus didn’t choose the person who was “perfect” by any standard, yet in her imperfection, the Samaritan woman was the perfect person to share the news that God’s love and salvation are open to all—even those with faults and doubts. So, what do we learn? We learn that God knows us entirely, inside and out, waits for us, and abides with us. It serves us well to ask, “What doubts can I bring to God in prayer?”
