I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed. (Luke 1:3-4)
This passage, taken from the prologue of Luke’s Gospel, tells us that this Gospel builds upon the work of another Gospel, is based on eyewitness accounts and is designed for those people who have already been taught about Jesus. When we look more closely at the Greek text, an alternate translation is ‘so that you may be assured of the well-foundedness of the teaching that you have received’. If they needed to be assured, they may have had doubts. If they had doubts about 50 years after the death of Jesus, it is OK for us to have doubts, too.
Assuring young people that their doubts can be part of a faith journey is an important message. Many of us want certainty – but it is not called ‘a leap of faith’ for nothing!
Have a great week!
Patrick
livedgospel 