Apostle(First Century)
His life
+ All that we know for certain about Thomas comes from the New Testament. He is mentioned as one of the Twelve Apostles in all four gospels and his nicknamed Didymus, “the twin,” in John’s Gospel.
+ It was “doubting” Thomas who refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he had seen him with his own eyes and put his finger into his wounds; this prompted Jesus’ response, “Doubt no longer, but believe,” to which Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God.”
+ According to tradition, Thomas preached the Gospel in Persia and India, where he was martyred.
+ Saint Thomas is honored as the patron of architects and builders. He is also a patron saint of India, Indonensia, Malayska, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
+ A community of Syriac Christians in Kerala, India, trace their origins to the preaching of Saint Thomas. They are commonly known as “St. Thomas Christians.”
For prayer and reflection
“The Apostle Thomas’ case is important to us for at least three reasons: first, because it comforts us in our insecurity; second, because it shows us that every doubt can lead to an outcome brighter than any uncertainty; and, lastly, because the words that Jesus addressed to him remind us of the true meaning of mature faith and encourage us to persevere, despite the difficulty, along our journey of adhesion to him.”—Pope Benedict XVI
Spiritual bonus
On this day, we also remember Blessed Jeong Sun-Mae Barbara. A Korean laywoman, she brought together other Christian women who desired to live in community. She was martyred because of her faith in Christ on July 3 or 4, 1801, in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blessed Barbara was beatified with other Korean martyrs in 2014.
Prayer
Grant, almighty God,
that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas,
so that we may always be sustained by his intercession
and, believing, may have life
in the name of Jesus Christ your Son,
whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...