In the presence of our generous, forgiving Lord
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Thomas (July 3, 2019): 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.
Today we honor St. Thomas, one of the most famous of Jesus’ disciples – but one about whom we actually know little.
At the Last Supper, his question prompted Christ’s well-known response that He is, in fact, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. However, we tend to think of Thomas particularly in connection with the Resurrection. He was not with the other Apostles when Jesus appeared to them on the evening of Easter Sunday. Despite what they told him, Thomas remained unconvinced that Christ had really risen from the dead. He declared that he would not believe unless he not only saw but also touched the marks of Jesus’ wounds. A week later our Savior gave Thomas that chance. After appearing to all the Apostles, “He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put it into My side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’ Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:27-28)
So doubting Thomas believed and offered one of the most profound Christian prayers. Indeed, he acknowledged that Jesus was far more than beloved teacher and Messiah – He was also Divine. Thomas was as human as all those our Lord called to Himself. But his fidelity to Christ was ultimately revealed. Like the other Apostles, St. Thomas became a preacher of Jesus’ merciful message to the world. He is thought to have traveled to India where he made a number of converts and where he was martyred.
