St. Thomas the Apostle (First Century)

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St. Thomas the Apostle (First Century)

 

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Image courtesy of ChristusRex

The Apostle St Thomas (also called Didymus, 'twin') is the subject of a masterly character sketch in St John's Gospel. It is important because he is not unlike many well-meaning people of today who have received a technical education and nothing else, and believe only what they can see and touch. He comes to notice when, against the protests of the frightened disciples, Jesus insists on returning to Judea to raise Lazarus from the dead. Thomas, loyal and pessimistic, enlists the others to go too, 'that we may die with him' (John 11:7-16). Then, at the Last Supper, when Jesus tells his disciples that he is about to leave them and that they know the way where he is going, this same common-sense Thomas, evidently under great strain, cries, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going; and how can we know the way?' Jesus treats him to the sublime answer: 'I am the - way . . . No one goes to the Father save through me.'

The shattering blow of the crucifixion was followed by 'women's tales' of a resurrection. Poor Thomas, who had not died with him after all, was away, perhaps hiding his head in sullen bitterness, when Jesus appeared to the rest. He met their enthusiastic testimony with obstinate disbelief which became neurotically brutal: 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger in the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.' A sad, lonely week must have followed for him, with the others so happy. Then he rejoined them in his loyal way, although the doors were still shut for fear of the Jews. Only Jesus could convince him, and he came specially to give him the proof he demanded: 'Bring your finger here and see my hands; and put forth your hand and place it in my side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.' Thomas needed no more and burst into the great cry which is the climax of St John's Gospel and Christianity's age-long confession: 'My Lord and my God.' Peter and Thomas are the first two disciples mentioned as present when Jesus manifested himself at the sea of Galilee. Thomas would not be left out again.

Jesus said to Thomas: 'Have you believed because you have seen? Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe.' Here is encouragement to those who receive God's gift of faith with the simplicity of a child. But Jesus never said men should shut their eyes, and St Gregory remarks that Thomas's doubt helps us more than the faith of others. Faith is above reason, but reason leads to faith, for the things men see and touch point beyond themselves. To deny this brings neurotic conflict. St Thomas's feast on December 21st is fittingly near the day when we celebrate the Incarnation. A strong, early tradition makes him the Apostle of India.

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His Feast Day is July 3.