Among the apostles, Thomas is remembered mainly because of his doubts about the resurrection of Christ. He did not want to admit anything that went beyond the bounds of his experience and reason. Eight days later he made up for that unbelief with a profession of faith, "My Lord and my God" (Jn 20:28). According to tradition, he preached the
"You believed, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29)
The major attribute of every sound Christian is a firm faith amidst doubt, especially when the going is tough, life becomes unbearable and mirage in nature. Then there is utmost need for faith in God, for God writes in a crooked line, which expresses His Omniscience nature as all knowing God. As one of the scholars avers: "He (God) sees the the end from the beginning."
It is in line with this aphorism, that Christ Himself whispers to us in our doubt today saying: "... blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29). We could only be counted among the blessed here if we make a paradigm shift from the world of doubt to the wonderful light of faith in God through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour.
Today as we join the Holy Mother Church in celebrating one of the pillars of faith -St. Thomas the Apostle, we are being called to express our faith in action as he did. Despite his weakness, he stood firm and bore witness to the same faith he once doubted.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, what and what are those barriers that make us to drift from God? No matter the oddities of life, the trials we face day by day, let our faith and hope be built in the Lord, going by the Pauline exhortation; what will separate us from the love of Christ? Enumerating sickness, dead, hardship, trials etc. And he further concluded by reminding us that amidst all these uncertainties we are passing through, we cannot compare it with the future glory awaiting us. (cf. Romans 8:1ff.) May the glory of this celebration strengthen our faith in God. Peace, be with you!
Let us pray
Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 03072023
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