Faith and Sight (For St Thomas, Apostle and Martyr)

Scepticism is a degree of unbelief; equally therefore it is a degree of belief. It may be a degree of faith.
(Christina Rossetti, Time Flies: A Reading Diary)

I cannot place my hand in Your side;
I cannot touch Your scars;
I cannot bow at Your nail-pierced feet;
My Lord and my God – I believe.

I cannot see Your new-shining face;
I cannot feel Your breath;
I cannot eat the bread that You break;
Blessed are they who believe…

I cannot see that I might be certain;
I cannot touch this Proof;
I cannot stand firm; my knees buckle down;
I believe – help my unbelief.

I cannot wait till my faith shall be sight;
I cannot sit; my heart’s pounding;
I cannot know, but I who am known
Can bow while this mustard seed grows.