Between April 17 and April 19, Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe made a pilgrimage to Mount Athos, where he reflected on doubt and faith in his sermons.
On Bright Friday, he arrived at Lakkoskete, where he officiated the all-night Vigil and the Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Life-Giving Spring. On Bright Saturday and Sunday, the bishop celebrated at Dochiarion Monastery.
Assurance of the Resurrection
On the second Sunday after Pascha, Bishop Macarie explained that the Apostle Thomas’s doubt should be understood as a desire to be assured of the truth of the Resurrection.
“Thomas is not merely the one who doubted, but the image of a mind wounded by distrust, turmoil and thoughts that demand proof where faith is needed. Christ does not rebuke him harshly, but shows him His wounds: ‘Bring your finger here… and do not be unbelieving, but believing’ (John 20:27).”
Reflecting on the Gospel account of Christ’s encounter with the Apostle Thomas, the bishop highlighted the inner struggles human beings face.
“We are wounded not by nails, but by thoughts—wounded by judgment, distrust, despair, distraction and the weakening of zeal. Healing comes through touching the wounds of Christ.”
“Let us enlighten our minds and hearts and persist in good thoughts, even when everything seems burdensome and without hope. Let us not allow darkness, fear or despair to take hold of our souls,” he urged.
Guidance for spiritual life
Recalling the words of Paisios of Mount Athos—“a good thought brings the grace of God”—the bishop stressed the importance of spiritual struggle.
“The wound of sin is not healed by reason, but by faith, by touching Christ. Just as Thomas placed his hand in the Lord’s side, so we are called to touch His wounds through tears of repentance, sincere confession, communion with His Body and Blood, and especially through the prayer of the heart.”
“This is the effort required at every moment: to guard the gate of the mind, not to let any thought enter without discernment, and to turn every situation into an occasion for humility and prayer,” he added.
Bishop Macarie concluded by encouraging the faithful to follow Christ.
“Let us not be afraid of the struggle. Thomas doubted, but strengthened by the Lord he became a witness as far as India. And we, though wounded by sin, can be healed—not by our own power, but through the wounds of Christ.”
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Northern Europe
