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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
On this feast of St. Thomas we honor one of those nearest to Jesus.
Like Peter and the other Apostles, Thomas was a flawed man, yet one ultimately capable of loyalty even to the point of dying for his belief in Christ. Once Thomas urged the others to join him in traveling with Jesus into a potentially dangerous situation where they might be arrested. At the Last Supper, he expressed his confusion with what Christ was telling them about where they were to go and what they were to do. So Jesus responded that He Himself is the Way, the Truth and the Life. When Thomas finally saw the Risen Christ for himself, his previous uncertainties gave way utterly in the presence of our gentle, understanding Lord.
After the Ascension, Thomas set out on missionary journeys, finally reaching India where he was martyred. The words of St. Paul in today’s reading remind us that all Christians depend on the incredible efforts of the Apostles in building up the early Church. “You are fellow citizens with the holy one and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the capstone” (Ephesians 2:19-20). When our Lord chose His closest followers, He knew their shortcomings, just as He knows ours. But Jesus also knows the immense good we are capable of doing when we turn ourselves over to His mercy – and do the will of the Father.