It is the second Sunday of Easter, the end of the great octave. The vestiges of our Easter joy can still be felt. Yet, a faint shadow has snuck into our celebrations in the form of Thomas’ doubt and our own. Jesus is risen, and yet we can’t help but still be gripped by the reality of the darkness, sin, and brokenness that still plague us. When doubts arise, we revert to what we know and try and go at life on our own, trying to combat the darkness with darkness. Jesus, however, always draws near when we try and run away, He stoops down into our darkness and doubt to remind us of his presence, forgiveness, and light. Jesus always turns our doubt back to himself. He constantly gives himself to us in tangible ways to remind us of his presence, dispelling our doubt, disbelief, and fear.