Gospel: John 1: 29-34
Writers of the New Testament struggle with the identity of John the Baptist and his understanding of Jesus. Some passages like this one suggest he has sure knowledge and certitude about Jesus. Others assert that John has doubts in prison or is at the very least unsure of who Jesus is. It could very well be both. We have moments of certitude in our lives, followed by moments of doubt and lack of clarity. This is the normal human condition.
It is also the normal condition of the life of faith. The apologist will suggest that everything is sure and certain in the realm of theology and faith, a claim that is the very antithesis of faith itself. Authentic faith acknowledges the presence of doubt and uncertainty. It has the humility to being open to the possibility of being wrong, of entrusting oneself to God alone with one's doubts, saying with Peter: Lord I believe; help my unbelief.
The life of faith is not one of absolute certitude. It is resting comfortably with doubt and uncertainty, knowing full well our limitations and faults that we bring to the relationship. The authentic person of faith is not a braggart or the one claiming certitude of knowledge. It is the humble one who brings those doubts and fears before God and entrusts oneself entirely to God. The authentic life of faith is the vulnerability of the desert.
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