THE HEALING DOUBT OF THOMAS

⏰FEAST OF ST THOMAS, APOSTLE (03 July 2017)

????Eph 2:19-22; Ps 117:1, 2 (R. Mark 16:15); John 20:24-29

Our celebration of the lives of the saints helps us to reflect on their lives and imitate their good deeds (cf. Heb 13:7). Beyond that, it manifests our belief in the communion (relationship) that exists between the saints and the living. Jesus himself is the author of such communion (cf. Eph 2:19-22).

So as we celebrate St Thomas, the Apostle today, we must pay attention to the many lessons he has for us.

Have you ever imagined how bad Thomas must have felt at not being with the other apostles when Jesus visited the first time?

He might have felt that he was the worst of sinners which made Jesus not to appear to him too.

He must have been blaming himself for separating himself from others.
So he became very down in spirit until he has had a personal touch with Jesus. His pains must have moved Jesus a second time.

Notice that Jesus came back that second time only to clear Thomas’ doubt. By the time Jesus was getting through with him, Thomas made the first distinct declaration of Jesus as God, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

Tradition has it that he went to preach the Gospel among the Indians and till date, Christians in that region still call themselves the Christians of St. Thomas.

My dear, the same way that Jesus felt the pains of Thomas and gave him a second chance is the same way he still reaches out to us on daily basis. Our pains are his pains. So he touches us always to alleviate our pains.

Then, just as Thomas moved to alleviate the pains of unbelief among the Indians, we are called to assist Jesus in alleviating the sufferings of others. Remember that he had said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me” (cf. Matt 25:31-46).

May God be with us always to be our strength in times of difficulty and doubt, and enable us assist others in their difficult moments. Amen

Have a beautiful and reassuring week in the presence of the Lord. Peace be with you dear.