St. Thomas said a couple of remarkable things we remember to this day
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Thomas (July 3, 2020): EPH 2:19-22; PS 117:1-2; JN 20:24-29
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The Gospel for this day when we celebrate his feast recounts his meeting with Jesus...
Doubting Thomas. For almost two thousand years people have used this description of St. Thomas the Apostle to define him – and to serve as an epithet for those who will not believe in something without the benefit of their own personal experience. The Gospel for this day when we celebrate his feast recounts his meeting with Jesus after he had told his fellow Apostles that they were mistaken or deluded in what they told him about the Resurrection of Christ. He wanted proof. “Thomas 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’” (John 20:25). For Thomas it would not even be enough to see the living and breathing Jesus. No, he actually wanted to touch His wounds. Perhaps he simply could not accept the idea that something so impossible could be true. Jesus had fed thousands from a few loaves and fish, healed numerous people who were sick, blind, or paralyzed, and raised three people from the dead. But for Thomas the idea of Christ risen and glorified was too much. Maybe it was just because it mattered so very, very much to him. Could his beloved teacher and friend really be alive?
We know what happened then. Jesus appeared to Thomas and the other Apostles. Our Lord invited him to do exactly what he said he wanted to do. And Thomas, understanding that the Truth was standing in front of him, exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” The former doubter knew that Jesus not only lives, but also that He is the Son of God. This proclamation, too, has come down the centuries. And in our own faith and our own dependence on Christ, we offer this profound prayer of adoration. At all times and in all situations, we should frequently and humbly join St. Thomas in saying to our merciful Redeemer, “My Lord and my God!”
Suggested missionary action: Let us pray for an increase in faith in our compassionate Lord. In those difficult times that we face as individuals, as family and community members, let us always know we are God’s children and He will always be here for us.