Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, a man whose journey of faith mirrors our own. Thomas, known for his initial skepticism, teaches us invaluable lessons about trust, doubt, and the transformative power of encountering Christ.
In John's Gospel, we witness Thomas wrestling with doubt following Jesus' crucifixion. His demand for physical proof of the resurrection is not a sign of weak faith but a human response to overwhelming grief and uncertainty. Thomas' doubt mirrors our own struggles in the face of life's challenges, reminding us that it's okay to question and seek understanding.
Faith Through Doubt
Yet, it is through this doubt that Thomas' faith is ultimately strengthened. When he encounters the risen Christ, he proclaims, "My Lord and my God!" This profound declaration, born from personal experience, reaffirms that faith is not blind acceptance but a journey of discovery. Like Thomas, we are invited to seek Christ earnestly, to open our hearts to His presence, and to allow our doubts to lead us to a deeper, more personal relationship with Him.
Fr. Boby and I are the fruits of St. Thomas's preaching in India, and our Church flourishes, rich in priestly and religious vocations, committed to family life, and filled with a vibrant missionary spirit, across the globe.
The New Testament paints a vivid portrait of St. Thomas: a courageous and dedicated disciple, a seeker of truth, and a man who progressed from doubt to unwavering conviction. His declaration, "My Lord and my God," serves as a cornerstone for our Christian faith, affirming the divinity and resurrection of Jesus.
Imitating St. Thomas
Inspired by St. Thomas's example, let us:
- Surrender ourselves fully to God, allowing His love to guide us in serving our fellow human beings.
- Embrace our doubts and questions, using them as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.
- Have the courage of our convictions, sharing our faith with others as St. Thomas did, even in the face of adversity.
- Witness to Christ through our fidelity to the faith, living lives that reflect His teachings and love.
May this Eucharist strengthen us, fill us with hope, and embolden us to proclaim with Thomas, "My Lord and my God!" Let us embrace our doubts and struggles as opportunities for growth, trusting that God is continuously forming us in love.
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.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")