Welcome to Dear Father Thomas, a weekly column where readers share their questions about faith, family, relationships, and life’s challenges. Each week, Father Thomas offers practical wisdom and spiritual guidance rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
DEAR FATHER THOMAS:Lately, I’ve been struggling with my faith. I still believe in God, but I have questions I can’t seem to shake. Sometimes I pray and feel nothing. Other times I see people who seem so certain about their faith, and I wonder why I can’t be like them.
I feel guilty for doubting at all. If I really trusted God, shouldn’t my faith be stronger? I’m scared that all these questions mean I’m slowly losing my faith. What if my faith just isn’t strong enough? — TRYING TO BELIEVE
DEAR TRYING TO BELIEVE: Doubt does not automatically mean you are losing your faith. Some of the people we meet in Scripture struggled too. One father even cried out to Jesus, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” He believed, but he also recognized that his faith was imperfect—and Jesus did not turn him away.
Faith isn’t about feeling completely certain all the time. There will be moments when God feels close and others when He seems silent. There will be questions you can answer and others you may wrestle with for a long time.
So don’t be afraid of your questions. Bring them to God. Study Scripture and what the Church actually teaches. Keep going to Mass and receiving the sacraments, even when you don’t feel anything extraordinary.
Instead of asking, “Is my faith strong enough?” ask, “Am I still willing to turn toward God?” Even a small, imperfect yes matters. Jesus spoke of faith the size of a mustard seed for a reason.
You don’t need perfect certainty to follow Christ. Sometimes faith is simply choosing to keep following Him even while you’re still searching for answers.
Have a question for Father Thomas? Email us at dearfather@ycvf.org. While we can’t respond to every message personally, your letter could be selected for a future episode.
