Introduction
The significance of St. Thomas the Apostle cannot be overstated. His journey from doubt to faith is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s quest for truth, and his contributions to the spread of Christianity are invaluable.
The Biblical Account: John 20:24-29 KJV
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
July 3rd Feast Day
July 3 marks the feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle within the Church, a day that honors his legacy and offers a profound lesson in faith. Despite his initial skepticism towards the resurrection of Jesus, as recounted by the other apostles, St. Thomas’s journey is a testament to the strength of belief without the need for physical evidence. The celebration of this feast day encompasses several key aspects that highlight the importance of his story and its relevance to the faithful.
Dedication to Following the Lord
Thomas exhibited unwavering dedication to Jesus. Upon learning of Jesus’ imminent return to Judea, a region fraught with peril, Thomas boldly proclaimed, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16). His statement reflects a profound level of courage and loyalty, qualities that are truly admirable.
The “Doubting Thomas” Incident
Thomas was initially skeptical of the Lord’s Resurrection, a sentiment he expressed when the other apostles relayed the news to him. He sought tangible evidence, stating, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25). This skepticism was dispelled when, a week later, Jesus appeared and offered Thomas the opportunity to verify His wounds personally. Upon doing so, Thomas proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”
Spiritual Lessons from Thomas
The account of Thomas’s skepticism serves as a powerful reminder that the recognition of Jesus transcends physical appearance, highlighting His wounds as symbols of His sacrifice. This narrative inspires perseverance in the face of challenges, reinforcing the notion that faith is a journey marked by continuous growth and resilience.
Mission and Martyrdom
The tradition that has been passed down through generations tells us that after Pentecost, St. Thomas embarked on a mission to spread the Gospel in Persia and India. This apostolic journey is believed to have concluded with his martyrdom in the year 72 A.D. His dedication to evangelism and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his faith are commemorated and revered by many to this day. St. Thomas’s legacy continues to be celebrated, particularly for his role in establishing the Christian faith in regions far from where it originated.
Patronage
St. Thomas is revered as the patron saint of architects and builders due to his traditional association with construction and carpentry. He is believed to have used his skills to build churches and other structures during his missionary work in the Middle East and India.
Let us learn from Thomas’s journey—a blend of doubt, belief, and unwavering commitment to Christ.
