Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle (July 3rd)

Daily Mass Reflection – Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle (July 3rd)

I made it to the 8 a.m. daily Mass on my day off. Today was the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, also known as "Doubting Thomas", a name many remember him by. The Mass was beautifully celebrated by the new pastor of the parish, and it was both spiritually rich and moving.

The Gospel reading was from (John 20:24–29), a powerful passage that takes us into the Upper Room, where the disciples had gathered after Jesus’ resurrection. The first time Jesus appeared to them, Thomas was not with them. When the others told him, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas famously replied:

"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)

A week later, Jesus appeared again. This time, Thomas was present. Jesus said to him:

"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."-(John 20:27)

Overcome, Thomas proclaimed:

"My Lord and my God!"-(John 20:28)

This moment of doubt turned into one of the strongest confessions of faith recorded in the Gospels.

What many don’t often mention is that Thomas went on to become one of the boldest apostles, carrying the Gospel far beyond Jerusalem. His doubt is so uniquely human and that is a point of reference for many of us. Tradition holds that Thomas preached the Good News in South India, where he eventually died a martyr’s death. 

Similarly, James went to Spain, and Peter to Rome. These men did not die for a lie. They laid down their lives for what they knew to be true—that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.."(Matthew 28:19)

Even though we weren’t there in the Upper Room, we too believed. We haven’t seen the wounds in Christ’s hands or side, yet we have faith because of the testimony handed down for over 2,000 years.

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."-(John 20:29)

Sometimes, we may struggle with doubt, about the Church, about Jesus, about His divine presence in the Eucharist and in our lives. But I don’t doubt it. Every day, I try to grow closer to Jesus. I seek Him in Scripture, in the sacraments, in prayer, and in community. That’s why I go to Mass, even on my day off. I want to know Him more and more.

Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you for my life and the lives of all my family members, friends and all my well-wishers and those not so much. 

 Amen.

I remain your pal, 

Ronnie