Holy Spirit Interactive Kids: A Saint a Day

St. Thomas

Feast Day: July 03
Born: (around the time of Jesus) :: Died: (around) 72 AD

Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Thomas in the Syriac language means "twin." St. Thomas loved Jesus very much. Once when Jesus was going to face the danger of being killed, the other apostles tried to hold Jesus back. But St. Thomas said to them, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

When Jesus was captured by his enemies, Thomas lost his courage and ran away with the other apostles. It broke his heart when Jesus died. Then on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to his apostles after he had risen from the dead but Thomas was not with them. As soon as he arrived, the other apostles told him joyfully, "We have seen the Lord." They thought Thomas would be happy. Instead, he did not believe them.

"Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails," he said, "and put my finger in the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later when Jesus appeared to his apostles again, Thomas was there, too. Jesus called him and told him to touch his hands and the wound in his side. Poor St. Thomas! He fell down at Jesus' feet and cried out, "My Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed."

After Pentecost, Thomas was strong and firm in his belief and trust in Jesus. He took the mission he was given seriously and went to Parthia, Persia and India to preach the Gospel. He was killed by his enemies while kneeling in front of a cross and praying. He died a martyr there, after many people became followers of Jesus.

Sunday

July 3, 2016

Words of Mercy

Each day during this week in the middle of the Year of Mercy, we will be sharing thoughts and words of mercy spoken by Pope Francis. Reflect on these quotes and make these words of peace, compassion, and mercy your own:

Quote on Mercy for Sunday:

“Jesus’ attitude is striking: we do not hear the words of scorn, we do not hear words of condemnation, but only words of love, of mercy, which are an invitation to conversation. ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and do not sin again.’ Ah! Brothers and Sisters, God’s face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God’s patience, the patience He has with each one of us? That is His mercy. He always has patience, patience with us, He understands us, He waits for us, He does not tire of forgiving us if we are able to return to Him with a contrite heart. ‘Great is God’s mercy,’ says the Psalm.”

~ Pope Francis, March 17, 2013

Thought for Today: “Grace & peace be with you.”