Our celebration of Holy Week and Easter has had a particular significance this year because Pope Francis has called on the Church to celebrate this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

The depth and even the mystery of God’s mercy is on full display in the suffering of Jesus even to the point of death. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16)

Of course that mercy is not only in the suffering and death of Jesus. It is precisely God’s mercy that bursts forth in the resurrection. Jesus not only conquered death, but He gives us the invitation and the chance to share in that victory, if we are faithful in this life.

So far, in these columns, during the Jubilee Year we have reflected on the spiritual works of mercy. Along with the corporal works of mercy, they are the pillars of action for the followers of Christ.

And so far we have already reminded ourselves about two of the spiritual works of mercy: instructing the ignorant, and correcting the sinner.

The next spiritual work is to counsel the doubtful. What might that mean for us in the Year of Mercy?

First, we might consider how wide the concept of doubt is as it affects our spiritual lives. For example, doubt might be quite fundamental. Does God even exist? Our media, our politics, and even friends act as though or explicitly assert that there is no God. Is He real?

The doubt that affects others is perhaps more personal.

“I believe God exists but does He really care for me? I tried to have a good marriage and it failed.”

“My husband and I have so long wanted children, and we are still disappointed.”

“I worked so hard to provide for my spouse and kids, and I’ve been laid off.”

“We prayed for his health, but even so my dad died.”

Circumstances like these challenge the faith and bring about doubt even in those with the best of intentions.

And of course there can be doubt in how to live the moral life. For example, we may think we have more control if we limit the size of our family, even by means not consistent with Church teaching. But then we also have less trust in God.

And many doubt that we can really know the truth, or that the Church can be trusted or even guided by the Holy Spirit to convey it to us.

We should not be surprised or disconcerted if we encounter doubt. It is the fundamental temptation against faith. Jesus had to ask Peter, “Why did you doubt?” (Mt. 14:31) We know the story of doubting Thomas. (Jn 20:24-29)

For us to have faith is to have overcome doubt. By grace, prayer and experience of Jesus’ personal love and friendship for us, we can have a faith that is confident, and is trusting. That will mean that even in the face of tragedy or in the course of events we cannot explain, we trust that God is in charge. We trust that He always acts for a reason and for our good.

That confidence of faith, trusting in God, is a great consolation in our uncertain world and society. It means that we can testify to the truth, not because it is our truth, but because it is God’s plan.

If we start there, we see why counselling the doubtful is an important work in the Year of Mercy. So many need to have the support of others in their dark hours.

As they doubt God’s love or His presence, how consoling it is to have someone at their side, willing to take a call or just checking in to say don’t give up. Saying “God loves you and so do I” can be the difference between staying with the faith or letting go.

In an age that scoffs at moral values, the confidence of those who joyfully lead a life of faith is one of the best acts of witnessing. Of course, it will also mean that we must study our faith and learn to articulate it. Questions will come and we will need to have ready answers, always being ready “to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” (1 Pt. 3:15)

In the end, to counsel the doubtful is to acknowledge our responsibility for the gift of faith. Many look to people of faith silently, without speaking. Our witness of faith, by our lives and by our words, serves God’s plan and His purpose. It can strengthen those who are wavering. And that is how God uses us to spread His mercy.