3 July 2023 Saint Thomas, Apostle

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

From Ephesians 2:19-22, NRSV

Saint Thomas is frequently referred to as “Doubting Thomas” and yet it is his faith that marks him as a saint whose life helped to establish and build the early church. Thomas was not present when the Risen Christ first appeared to the apostles and he needed physical, tangible proof of this miracle rather than relying on what he was told. On a subsequent appearance, Christ invited Thomas to put his fingers into the holes made by the nails and to put his hand into his pierced side. Thomas was then able to acclaim that not only was this Christ but also to acknowledge what others had yet to see –  that Christ was also divine – “My Lord and my God”. Thomas travelled great distances to spread the gospel message and is credited with the establishment of Christianity in parts of Asia where he died the death of a martyr.

• • Why do you think Thomas was able to call Christ both Lord and God?
  • Is it o.k. to have doubts about our beliefs?

You may wish to find out more about the life of Saint Thomas and particularly why he is known as the apostle to India.