July 3 is the Feast of the Apostle Thomas. Obviously, most of what we know about St. Thomas comes from the Bible! He is mentioned just once in each of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and always in the same context – he is listed as one of the Twelve Apostles chosen from among the disciples of Jesus. There is no other mention of him in these three Gospels. He is also mentioned just once in the Acts of the Apostles where he is simply listed among the Apostles who gather in the “upper room” immediately after the Ascension of Jesus.
How do we know so much about him when it appears that so little is said in the Scriptures? Well, he is mentioned four times (and at length) in St. John’s Gospel, where something of his character appears. He comes across as somewhat aggressive and argumentative. In chapter 11, for example, we are told that Jesus had just received word that His friend Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was seriously ill. But Jesus waited for two days before deciding to go to Bethany. The disciples were somewhat alarmed because there were people there who are threatening the life of Jesus and they tried to dissuade Him from going. When it was clear that Jesus has made up His mind, St. Thomas said to his companions, “Come, let us also go to die with Him.” Was this just bravado or was it a statement of loyalty? Perhaps something of both, but it was certainly a bold thing to say.
In St. John’s Gospel, there is an exchange between Jesus and St. Thomas at the Last Supper and St. Thomas is also present at a post-Resurrection appearance at the end of the Gospel. But the defining moment, one which we all seem to know best, happens in chapter 20 of the Gospel.
In chapter 20, the Risen Jesus appeared to His disciples on Easter Sunday, but St. Thomas was not there and, when told of the meeting, refused to believe. The Gospel tells us that, on the following Sunday, Jesus appeared again and told St. Thomas to examine His hands and put his hands in Jesus’ side. Again, the bold and impulsive Apostle went to the extreme: he fell to his knees and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Worth noting is that this expression marks the only time in the Gospel that a person addressed Jesus as “God.” It was clearly an expression of deep faith.
Let us pray. “Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the Feast of your Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession. Grant, too, that by believing, we may have life in the name of your Son, whom St. Thomas acknowledged as Lord. Who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.”
