The Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle honors one of the original Twelve Apostles, best known for his moment of doubt and his profound profession of faith. Often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” he is also a model of honest seeking, courageous faith, and missionary zeal.
Scriptural Reading:
Gospel – John 20:24–29
“Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
In this post-Resurrection appearance, Thomas doubts the other disciples’ testimony until he sees the Risen Lord for himself. When Jesus appears and invites him to touch His wounds, Thomas responds with one of the most profound declarations of faith in the New Testament.
Who Was Saint Thomas?
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One of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles.
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Initially skeptical of Christ’s resurrection until he saw the wounds.
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After encountering the Risen Lord, his faith was transformed.
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According to tradition, he became a missionary to the East, bringing the Gospel to India, where he is still honored by the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches.
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Believed to have been martyred for the faith in Mylapore, India.
Key Themes:
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Faith Beyond Doubt: Thomas’s honest doubt led to a deeper faith. Jesus met him where he was and invited him into belief.
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Christ’s Mercy: The Risen Lord doesn’t rebuke Thomas but offers His wounds as proof. This shows Jesus’ tenderness and patience with those who struggle to believe.
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Missionary Zeal: Once transformed, Thomas didn’t remain with the others—he went far and wide to proclaim the Gospel, giving his life in service.
Reflection:
Thomas reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but often a part of its journey. His story shows that Christ meets us in our struggles and invites us into deeper relationship. His final words to Thomas—“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”—extend to all of us today.
This feast is also a celebration of global evangelization. Thomas’s mission to distant lands is a reminder that the Gospel knows no borders and that we, too, are called to carry Christ to the ends of the earth—starting with the people around us.
Prayer:
Saint Thomas the Apostle, you doubted so that we might believe more deeply.Help us to bring our questions and struggles to Christ with honesty.May your witness inspire us to proclaim,“My Lord and my God!” in word and deed. Strengthen missionaries around the world, and guide us all to a faith that seeks, believes, and shares. Amen.