Doubt is a part of human condition. We may doubt our worthiness, our lovableness or God's care, providence and even existence. It is common that one questions one's faith in the different turns of one's life. Mother Theresa called herself the saint of darkness. In the book Come Be My Light we see her struggle with spiritual crises and how hope and charity sustained her life of faith. Such a struggle is something positive: it deepens one's faith and one understands that faith is a gift which needs to be nurtured. There is also unbelief which does not produce good fruit. An unbelief not accompanied by faith, hope and charity is a hindrance that, if not removed, will lead to despair.

Today's Gospel repeatedly reminds us that seeking human praise (Jn 5: 34, 41, 44) leads even believers into unbelief. Aaron, the model of the Jewish priests, is presented as an opportunistic person who relaxed the demands of a covenantal life in favour of popular needs. Moses on the other hand was the intercessor and mediator who sought God's praise. Under his authority, people moved from doubt to a deepened faith in God.