St. Thomas, Apostle

St. Thomas the Apostle is a remarkable figure who teaches us valuable lessons about following Jesus. Despite being unfairly labeled as a doubter, Thomas sought the same confirmation that the other disciples received. His unwavering devotion to Christ and his journey from doubt to unwavering faith inspire us to deepen our own relationship with God. Let’s explore the life of this remarkable saint and discover the lessons he teaches us about being faithful disciples.

Out of the twelve apostles, Jesus handpicked Thomas to be one of His closest followers. Thomas, also known as “the Twin,” was known for his strong commitment and loyalty. Jesus chose him to witness His teachings, miracles, and most importantly, His resurrection. Thomas sets an example for all of us, showing the importance of being dedicated to Christ’s mission and following Him wholeheartedly.

St. Thomas is famously known for his moment of doubt following Christ’s resurrection. He expressed his skepticism when the other apostles shared the news of the risen Lord. However, it is essential to understand that doubt is not inherently negative; rather, it can be a catalyst for deeper faith. St. Thomas’s doubts were transformed into unshakeable faith when he encountered Jesus, who invited him to touch His wounds. This encounter reminds us that Christ meets us in our doubts and strengthens our faith through His love and mercy.

Thomas’s doubt transformed into unwavering faith. He exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” This declaration shows us that encountering Jesus personally can strengthen our faith and help us overcome our doubts.

Thomas’s story resonates with those who question and seek truth in their lives. His journey from doubt to faith reminds us that it’s okay to have questions and uncertainties. Thomas teaches us that faith is a conscious choice to follow Jesus, even when we have doubts. Just as Thomas sought confirmation, we too can seek encounters with Christ to strengthen our own faith.

St. Thomas’s commitment to spreading the Good News took him on a mission to distant lands, including India. There, he faced challenges and opposition. Despite the difficulties, Thomas remained steadfast in his mission, eventually giving his life as a martyr for the sake of the Gospel. His sacrifice teaches us the importance of embracing our own calling with courage and determination.

St. Thomas the Apostle is a shining example of a faithful disciple of Jesus. Despite being unfairly labeled, Thomas’s unwavering commitment, his journey from doubt to faith, and his ultimate sacrifice inspire us to deepen our own relationship with God. Let us turn to St. Thomas as a guide and intercessor, seeking his assistance in our quest for a deeper understanding of Christ and the courage to proclaim the Gospel in our daily lives. May we learn from his example and emulate his unwavering faith as we strive to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ.

His feast day is July 3.

Patron Saint of …

St. Thomas is the patron saint of architects, builders, and India.

He is considered the patron saint of architects and builders because of the belief that he was involved in constructing churches. According to tradition, he played a role in constructing the first Christian churches in India and elsewhere, showcasing his skill and dedication to building structures of worship. As a result, architects and builders seek his intercession for guidance, inspiration, and protection in their work.

He is revered as the patron saint of India because of his significant missionary activities in the country. Tradition holds that he traveled to India to spread the Gospel and establish Christian communities, particularly in the regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. St. Thomas’s missionary efforts and his martyrdom in India have earned him a special place in the hearts of Indian Christians. Consequently, he is honored as the patron saint of the country, representing his influence and devotion to spreading Christianity in that region.

• First Reading – Ephesians 2:19-22: You are now fellow citizens with the saints, built on the Apostles’ foundation with Christ as the cornerstone, becoming a holy temple and dwelling place for God in the Spirit.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 117: Praise the LORD, all nations and peoples. His kindness and faithfulness are everlasting. Spread the Good News everywhere.
• Gospel – John 20:24-29: Thomas doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds. Jesus appeared to him, inviting him to believe. Thomas then acknowledged Jesus as his Lord and God. Jesus blessed those who believe without seeing.

Word on Fire: The Faith of St. Thomas

This reflection from Bishop Robert Barron for the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle highlights why we resonate with the story of doubting Thomas. Thomas exemplifies skepticism and empiricism, qualities common in our modern world. He demands physical proof of Jesus’ resurrection, saying he won’t believe unless he sees and touches Jesus’ wounds. When Jesus reappears and invites Thomas to touch His wounds, Thomas believes. Jesus then states, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” This story encourages faith even without physical evidence, reminding us of the importance of belief in the unseen.

USCCB Reflection: From Doubt to Faith

This reflection from the USCCB for the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle reminds us that we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the Saints and members of God’s household. St. Paul emphasizes the foundation of our faith in Jesus and our responsibilities as members of God’s family. In the Gospel, Thomas seeks concrete evidence for his faith. Jesus appears and invites Thomas to replace doubt with faith by showing His wounds. This exchange leads Thomas to confess, “My Lord and my God.” We are called to trust in Jesus and confess our faith, especially in trials.

Word on Fire: Informed Faith

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, highlighting the rich tradition of questioning and seeking understanding within Catholicism. Drawing parallels to the works of St. Thomas Aquinas and the famous quote from Hamlet, Bishop Barron emphasizes that limiting ourselves to what is visible and controllable would hinder our understanding of reality. The interplay between knowing and believing exists in various aspects of life, and informed faith opens the door to experiencing God’s mysterious workings beyond what can be seen and fully understood, leading to a deep and blessed relationship with Him.

USCCB Reflection: St. Thomas the Brave

In this USCCB video reflection on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, we explore the various nicknames associated with Thomas, including Doubting Thomas and Didymus the Twin. Rather than focusing on his doubts, we can highlight Thomas’s bravery and willingness to confront the marks of pain and death. The wounds of Christ, still present on the Risen Lord, became a sign of life for Thomas. We must embrace our own wounds and struggles, recognizing that it is precisely in our brokenness that the Lord can transform and bring forth new life. Thomas serves as a source of strength, reminding us to trust in God’s transforming grace and to find hope in the midst of pain.

Litany of Belief Prayer

The Litany of Belief is a prayer inspired by the father of a boy possessed by a demon (Mark 9:24) and the profession of faith by St. Thomas the Apostle (John 20:28). The prayer incorporates the responses “I do believe, help my unbelief” and “My Lord and my God.”

All Things Visible and Invisible – A Lesson Plan on Believing

St. Thomas’s experience of doubt and encounter with the risen Jesus connect to the theme of belief and trust in the All Things Visible and Invisible Lesson Plan. Like Thomas, we often struggle to believe in what we haven’t witnessed or understand. But Jesus doesn’t dismiss our doubts; instead, He meets us where we are. Thomas’s story reassures us that Jesus invites us to touch His wounds, revealing His intimate love for us.

Who is St. Thomas?

Also known as Thomas the Apostle or Doubting Thomas, he was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers.

Why is St. Thomas called “Doubting Thomas”?

He was given the nickname “Doubting Thomas” because he initially struggled to believe in the resurrection of Jesus. He expressed his doubts and stated that he needed physical proof to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.

How did St. Thomas overcome his doubts?

He overcame his doubts when Jesus appeared to him and invited him to touch His wounds. In that moment of encounter, Thomas’s doubts were transformed into unwavering faith, and he proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”

What is St. Thomas known for?

He is known for his unwavering commitment to Jesus and his courageous missionary work. He spread the Gospel to distant lands, including India, and ultimately gave his life as a martyr for the faith.

How can we relate to St. Thomas today?

His story resonates with us as we also wrestle with doubts and uncertainties in our faith. His journey teaches us that doubt is not a barrier to being a faithful disciple, but an opportunity for deeper belief. Like Thomas, we can seek encounters with Christ, trusting in His love and mercy to strengthen our faith.

What can we learn from St. Thomas?

He teaches us the importance of honesty in our faith journey and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. His story encourages us to bring our doubts to the Lord, seek His presence, and proclaim Him as our Lord and God, just as Thomas did.

Who is St. Thomas the Apostle the patron saint of?

He is the patron saint of architects, builders, and India. He is the patron saint of architects and builders due to his involvement in church construction, while he is revered as the patron saint of India for his influential missionary activities in the country.

What date is the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle?

It is observed annually on July 3.

The next date is Wednesday July 3, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle?

The Mass readings for Wednesday July 3, 2024 are:

First Reading – Ephesians 2:19-22: Unity in Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 117: A Call to Praise
Gospel – John 20:24-29: Thomas’ Doubt and Belief