Readings: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 117:1-2, John 20:24-29
“Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)
We tend to think of the Saints as extraordinary human beings or larger-than-life figures. We see them as the people who did the impossible or attained the unattainable. However, the story of St. Thomas the Apostle teaches us that saints are imperfect creatures who refuse to allow their weaknesses to prevent them from pressing forward on the journey to heaven.
- The life of St. Thomas, whom we celebrate today, is a typical example of a saint who was everything like you and me. He had every reason to doubt the resurrection of Christ because nothing like that had ever happened before. However, when Jesus showed Himself to Thomas, he fell and worshipped Jesus, saying: “My Lord and My God!”
- Like Thomas, there are moments when we feel like asking God to prove Himself, to show us something, to answer our prayers in a particular way, or to work some dramatic miracle to make us believe again in His power. In such moments, we must listen again to Jesus’ statement to Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29). God doesn’t need to prove Himself repeatedly to gain our trust or make us believe in him. There is a blessing for believing in God without any corresponding evidence. What is this blessing? It is the blessing of bringing what we believe into existence.
- Today, we celebrate St. Thomas not because he doubted but because he never went back to doubting after he became convinced about Jesus. St. Thomas is the patron of those who continue to doubt God today. Like Thomas, such persons consider themselves very smart; they may know the entire bible but still have reasons for their doubt. Persuasive arguments are often not enough to convince them, but a visit from Jesus himself (a divine encounter like Thomas's) is the only thing that can bring them back. We ask Thomas to intercede so they may not remain in the darkness of doubt.
- In Thomas, we see that God does not necessarily need perfect people; He perfects those who make themselves available for His service. In today's first reading, St. Paul tells us that we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints in the Household of God (Ephesians 2:19). We are all called to sainthood regardless of our limitations and imperfections. If Thomas could do it, who says you cannot?
- History tells us that after the Apostles dispersed after Pentecost, Thomas evangelised the Parthians, Medes, and Persians. He ultimately reached India, carrying the Faith to the Malabar coast, which still boasts a large native population calling themselves “Christians of St. Thomas.” Thomas was steadfast to the end, even to the point of accepting martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel. St. Thomas was speared to death at a place called Calamine. His feast day is July 3rd, and he is the patron of architects.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the grace to remain steadfast on our journey to sainthood. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Thomas, Apostle - Feast. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 117:1-2, John 20:24-29).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu