All Things Visible and Invisible

True or False?

This game will help break the ice and get everyone thinking about what it means to believe or doubt something. It’s lighthearted and fun, but it introduces the idea of exploring what’s real and what might be a bit hard to believe—just like Thomas had to work through his own doubts.

Instructions:

1. Have everyone stand in a circle.
2. Each person takes a turn sharing a statement about themselves that could be true or false. It could be something surprising (e.g., “I have a pet snake”) or funny (“I can speak three languages fluently”).
3. The group votes on whether they think the statement is true or false.
4. After the votes, the person reveals if their statement was true or false and shares a short backstory if it’s true.

After the game, gather everyone back together and talk about the experience of believing or doubting each other’s statements. Ask a few questions to get them thinking:

• Was it easy or hard to decide what was true?
• How did it feel when someone shared something unexpected?
• What would it take to believe something truly surprising?

Sometimes we hear things that are hard to believe, just like Thomas did. But the amazing thing is that God is patient with us as we work through our questions and try to understand. Today, we’re going to talk about how our belief can grow, even if we start with some doubts. It’s okay to not have it all figured out right away—God is with us, guiding us as we learn to trust Him more.

John 20:19-31 (Jesus Helps Thomas Believe) – the Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy) – Years A, B, and C

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them.

Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Thomas had a hard time believing what the other apostles were telling him. They said they had seen Jesus alive, right in front of them, even though He had died. It didn’t make sense, and to Thomas, it must have sounded impossible. He had seen Jesus die on the cross, and the finality of that kind of suffering and death would have been hard to shake.

Imagine if someone told you that a friend or family member who had passed away had come back and was standing right in front of them. Thomas’s reaction, saying he needed to see the proof with his own eyes, is understandable. Most of us would probably feel the same way.

Thomas just can’t believe it. But the amazing part of this story is that Jesus doesn’t leave Thomas to doubt alone. Jesus didn’t get upset or call him out for doubting. Instead, Jesus made another visit just for him. He appears again, saying the same words of peace, and then does something deeply personal and powerful: He lets Thomas see and touch the wounds on His hands and side.

These wounds were the marks of His suffering, betrayal, and death, proof of what He had gone through. And Jesus, knowing that Thomas needed this reassurance, invited him to touch these very scars. It was a gesture of love, patience, and understanding—Jesus wasn’t writing Thomas off for doubting; He was reaching out to help him believe.

What an act of intimacy and love Jesus shows to Thomas! The scars that showed His suffering were now a sign of His victory over death and His willingness to meet us in our doubts. This story reminds us that God understands when we struggle and doesn’t turn away. He wants us to be honest with our questions and doubts, just like Thomas was. And instead of distancing Himself from us because of our struggles, God draws even closer.

Thomas’s doubts did not disqualify him from a life of faith. In fact, they opened the door for an encounter with Jesus that changed him forever. Tradition tells us that Thomas went on to become a missionary in the East, traveling as far as India to spread the Good News, and he eventually gave his life as a martyr. He took his faith seriously and was willing to take it to the very ends of the earth.

This should give us great hope. Even though we may have doubts or go through periods of uncertainty, we can still go on to live lives full of faith and trust in God. With the Lord’s help, even our doubts can become steps toward a stronger relationship with Him. Thomas’s story teaches us that doubt doesn’t make us bad or weak in faith. It makes us human. But when we bring our doubts to God honestly, we allow Him to work in our lives, helping us grow in ways we might not expect.

Think about your own life. Are there things you have a hard time believing? Maybe you wonder if God could really love you just as you are, with all your flaws, or “warts and all.” Sometimes, the hardest thing to believe is that God’s love is unconditional. Or maybe there’s something you’ve done that you don’t feel comfortable bringing to God, something you think He could never forgive. But the truth is, just like He did with Thomas, Jesus invites us to come close, to see and touch His wounds, and to know that His love covers all our failures.

Sometimes, we carry our own wounds, too—hurts from people we trusted, disappointments, or mistakes. Like Jesus, who carried the scars of His crucifixion, we may carry wounds from the past. And maybe it’s hard to believe that God could heal those hurts. But Thomas’s story shows that Jesus can handle our doubts, our fears, and even our hurts. He stands ready to meet us in those hard places, to bring healing and peace.

So, think about the areas in your life where you need to see Jesus’s love more clearly. Whatever your struggle might be, know that Jesus is there, inviting you to believe, even if it takes time. Thomas’s story is proof that our doubts don’t have to keep us from a life of faith. Like Thomas, we can encounter Jesus in a way that changes us, letting our belief grow stronger, deeper, and more real.

And who knows? Like Thomas, we might just be inspired to take that faith and share it, letting others know that Jesus is with us, always ready to help us believe.

Encourage group members to be open and honest as they discuss the lesson on believing, emphasizing that doubt and questions are natural parts of faith. Remind everyone to listen with respect, giving each person space to share without judgment. Allow time for thoughtful responses, and gently guide the discussion to help youth reflect on how God meets us in our struggles with belief, just as He did with Thomas. Aim to create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable exploring their own experiences with faith and doubt.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think Thomas found it so hard to believe that Jesus was alive? Can you think of a time when you had a hard time believing something important?
• How do you think Thomas felt when Jesus invited him to touch His wounds? What does this tell us about how Jesus responds to our doubts?
• Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt your faith grow stronger? What helped you in that situation?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus didn’t judge Thomas for his doubts? How does this affect the way you view your own doubts?
• Why do you think Jesus showed His scars to Thomas? What do Jesus’s scars represent to you?
• Sometimes we carry our own “scars” or past hurts. Do you think God can help us heal from these wounds? How might faith play a role in healing?
• What are some ways you can bring your doubts or questions to God? How might prayer or talking with others help?
• The story of Thomas teaches that even people who doubt can still have strong faith. How does this make you feel about your own journey with faith?
• Why do you think the Church values saints like Thomas, who struggled to believe at first? How does his story inspire you?
• How can we support each other when we’re going through times of doubt? What can we do to help friends or family members who struggle to believe?

This week, choose one area in your life where you’re finding it hard to believe or where you’d like to grow in faith. Maybe it’s trusting that God really loves you, or believing that He has a plan for your future. It could be about bringing a specific worry or situation to Him, like a relationship, a goal, or something you’re struggling with. Once you’ve chosen that area, focus on it each day with an open heart, knowing that God meets you exactly where you are in your journey.

Every morning and evening, take a moment to lift this part of your faith up to God. Pray the simple, honest words from Mark 9:24: “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” Let this be a time to tell God where you feel uncertain and invite Him to help you grow in trust. Then, trust that God hears your prayer, and be open to ways He might respond—through others, through quiet moments, or even through your own heart and mind. As you repeat this prayer each day, know that even small steps forward in faith are valuable and that God is right there with you, helping you along the way.

As we close, let’s take a moment to bring everything we’ve discussed and experienced to God in prayer. We all have places in our lives where we struggle to believe or feel unsure, and it’s powerful to bring these to God, trusting that He understands. Together, we’re going to pray the Litany of Belief, which speaks to the real challenges we face in faith and invites God to work in those areas.

As we pray each line, listen to the words and let them sink in. Let this be a time to ask God to strengthen your heart, to help you trust, and to open yourself to His presence. God wants to meet us right where we are, with all our hopes, fears, and questions, just as He met Thomas. Take a deep breath and let’s offer this prayer together, knowing God hears every word.

Lead the group in the Litany of Belief. A printable copy can be found here.

After the litany, sit for a few quiet moments, letting God’s peace settle in. Let this prayer be a reminder that our journey of faith is ongoing, and that we don’t walk it alone. God is with us, helping us, healing us, and strengthening our belief each day.

Themes

• Faith Amid Doubt: Thomas’s doubt reminds us that questioning is natural. In Catholic teaching, faith is a journey that may include doubt. Even through questions, God remains close, helping us grow in belief.
• Jesus Meets Us: Jesus came to Thomas in his doubt. Catholic teaching emphasizes that God meets us where we are, especially in our struggles. Jesus is patient and desires to bring us closer to Him.
• Power of the Resurrection: Thomas’s story highlights the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. The Church teaches that the resurrection is central to our faith and our hope for eternal life. Believing in the risen Christ is key to understanding His love and victory over sin.
• Trusting God’s Love: Sometimes it’s hard to believe in God’s unconditional love. Thomas learned to trust in Jesus’ love for him personally. Catholic teaching calls us to believe that God’s love is unwavering and for each of us.
• The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto His disciples to strengthen them. The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Spirit is our helper in faith and wisdom. Through the Holy Spirit, we receive courage to believe.
• Witnessing to Others: Thomas’s belief led him to spread the Gospel far from home. The Church calls all Catholics to share their faith. Even small acts of faith can inspire others and strengthen the community.
• Recognizing God’s Presence: Thomas touched Jesus’ wounds and recognized Him as Lord. Catholics are encouraged to see God’s presence in sacraments, prayer, and everyday life. Recognizing God helps build a stronger connection to Him.
• Blessed Are Those Who Believe: Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Catholic teaching reminds us that faith often requires trust in what we cannot see. This type of belief brings spiritual blessings.
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Jesus gives the apostles authority to forgive sins. Catholics believe that forgiveness is a powerful part of faith. Through the sacrament of reconciliation, we experience God’s mercy and healing.
• Growing in Faith: Thomas’s journey shows that faith is a process. Catholic teaching encourages us to keep learning, praying, and growing. Believing is a lifelong journey of trust in God’s goodness.
• Hope in Eternal Life: Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope for eternal life. Catholics believe that faith in Jesus offers the promise of life beyond death. This hope strengthens us to live with courage and peace.

Background Material

This lesson plan on believing focuses on the journey of faith, even when it includes moments of doubt. Thomas’s story in John 20:19-31 is a powerful example of a disciple who struggled to believe. After hearing that Jesus had risen, Thomas found it hard to accept without seeing proof for himself. When Jesus appeared to him, showing His wounds, Thomas finally believed, declaring, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This story highlights a key Catholic teaching: faith is often a journey of trust that grows stronger even through doubt.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that faith is a gift from God, but it also involves a personal choice. Faith is not simply an emotion; it is a commitment to trust in God’s goodness and truth. The Catechism states, “Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us… because he is truth itself” (CCC 1814). In Thomas’s story, we see Jesus meeting him in his doubt, offering reassurance and guidance. This shows that, while God invites us to faith, He also supports us through our questions and insecurities.

Faith is central to the Catholic life. In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29). Catholics are called to believe in God’s love and promises even when we cannot see them with our eyes. This type of faith can be challenging, but the Church teaches that the Holy Spirit is our helper.

The Holy Spirit, given to the disciples and to us through baptism and confirmation, strengthens us to believe in what we cannot see. The Catechism explains, “The Spirit prepares man and goes out to him with his grace in order to draw him to Christ” (CCC 737). Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the grace to believe more deeply.

The story of Thomas also teaches us that faith is more than an individual journey; it is meant to be shared. After seeing and believing in Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas went on to become a missionary, according to Church tradition, spreading the Gospel as far as India. This reminds us that, as Catholics, we are called to share our faith with others. Belief in Jesus is not only a personal comfort but a gift we are encouraged to share. Witnessing to others, even in small ways, is part of our calling as followers of Christ.

Finally, Thomas’s story reassures us that God does not turn away from our doubts. When we struggle to believe, God invites us to bring those doubts to Him in prayer. The story of Thomas shows that even someone close to Jesus experienced doubt, and yet Jesus approached him with kindness, not judgment. This lesson plan on believing invites youth to see doubt as a normal part of faith and to trust that God will guide them through it. Faith is a journey, and through the help of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of the Church, and our own personal relationship with Jesus, we grow closer to God each day.

Music Suggestions

• Because He Lives by Matt Maher
• We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen
• This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Teachers, youth ministers, and catechists will find a variety of resources to help young people connect with Scripture and deepen their faith. These lesson plans cover topics from trust and forgiveness to service and believing in God’s love. Check out our full selection of free resources here: Young Catholics Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections.