Belief and devotion conquer doubt in the life of Jesus’ disciple Thomas
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle (July 3, 2018): 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.
Doubting Thomas. Here is an instance when a single mistake defines someone’s reputation despite the goodness and generosity they show during most of a lifetime.
The Gospels describe the reaction of Thomas when the other Apostles tell him that they have seen Jesus after His crucifixion and resurrection. “Thomas…was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, ‘We have see the Lord.’ But [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 20:24-25).
It seems so easy to recall the worst of people rather than their best. Many of us do it without even realizing that we are doing it. Yet the references to St. Thomas in the New Testament show that he was also brave and, ultimately, faithful to Jesus. His response to the appearance of Jesus offers us a prayer of complete praise and veneration to our Redeemer: “My Lord and my God.” Whenever we experience doubt or fear, or if we are at a loss for how to pray, we can repeat these words, asking our Lord to help us grow in faith, hope and love.
Suggested missionary action: Let us take time to consider the ways we judge others based on a single bad experience. Let us thank God for forgiving our sins and ask Him to help us forgive others and see them as the singular persons He knows them to be.
