Finding Jesus on the Wrong Road: Reflections on Doubt and the Journey of Faith

You’ve likely heard the phrase "journey of faith" more times than you can count. Lately, it seems pilgrimages are having a bit of a cultural revival, and for good reason. Whether we are literally walking a trail or simply navigating the terrain of daily life, every one of us is on a journey that comes with its own peaks and valleys.

In the book of Acts, Peter urges his listeners to be baptised. It’s a powerful moment of beginning—receiving the gifts of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. But as many of us know, baptism isn't the finish line; it’s the starting blocks.

Living It Out

While the Holy Spirit dwells within us, transforming us from the inside out, faith requires "doing." It’s a daily practice of:

• Reading Scripture: Moving beyond Sunday mornings to find God in the pages of the Bible at home or in small groups.

• Persistent Prayer: Carrying one another in prayer during our quiet moments.

These habits help us grow deeper into God. But what happens when the path gets dark? What do we do when we aren't even sure we’re on the right road anymore?

The Road to Emmaus: Walking Away

One of the most encouraging stories in the New Testament is the walk to Emmaus. If you look closely at the passage, you’ll notice something vital: the two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem.

They were confused, angry, and vocal about their disappointment. They had followed Jesus, but he hadn't lived up to their expectations. He had died. Nothing made sense. So, they did what many of us do when we feel let down—they distanced themselves.

A Hard Truth: On our own journeys, we all have seasons like this. Sometimes we need to express our doubts. Sometimes the Christian community feels claustrophobic, or faith loses its vibrancy. If we’re being really honest, there are days when we aren't sure we believe at all.

When Faith is Taken Apart

I remember a time during my own training for the priesthood at Liverpool Cathedral when my faith felt like it was being pulled apart. Everything I had taken "as gospel" was suddenly questioned, analysed, and reordered. It was an incredibly challenging season, but in hindsight, it was a healthy one.

To truly own our faith, to have a deep, authentic relationship with the risen Jesus, we have to be allowed to ask questions. We have to turn to Scripture and to each other to figure out what we actually believe, rather than just reciting what we’ve been told.

The Real Presence in the Breaking of Bread

In the midst of that season of questioning, I found one anchor: Holy Communion.

Even when I felt "far off" or uncertain, I believed in the power of the consecrated bread and wine. I believe that the real presence of Jesus is found there, whether we are in a season of fervent belief or deep doubt.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognise Jesus while they were arguing and doubting. They recognised him in the breaking of the bread.

He Walks With You

The Emmaus road reminds us that the risen Christ comes toward us and walks alongside us—even when we are walking in the wrong direction. You may not recognise him at first. Spiritual guidance often arrives in ways that aren't obvious. Sometimes, it’s only by looking back that we see how Christ’s story and our own have been woven together.

If you are in a season of exploration, doubting, or questioning, take heart. These are not signs of failure; they are part of the rich journey of faith. Jesus is before you, behind you, and beside you, always waiting to make himself known.

Amen.

Fr Martin.