The Feast of St Thomas

Eph. 2:19-22, Jn 20:24-29. On this day we celebrate the feast of one of the Twelve Apostles of Our Lord Jesus Christ, St Thomas, also known as Didymus - ‘the Twin’. He was famous and well-remembered among the Apostles as the one who doubted the Lord. However, after the experience of the risen Christ, Thomas expressed a deep and profound proclamation: "My Lord, and my God!" With this proclamation, Thomas became a channel of faith for us. Faith in the Lord is a gift. Our doubts, longings and disappointments in life are occasions to grow in faith and experience the risen Lord. The Lord comes to those who long for Him. The recovery of faith in Thomas can help us renew our faith, to vicariously put 'our fingers into the holes and hand' into the Lord’s side. He needed the visual and the tactile; and wanted solid proof. Thomas went to a few places spreading the Good News and eventually went to the southern region of India where he preached to the locals and converted quite a few among them, which became the progenitors of the Christian communities there, known as ‘St Thomas Christians’. He was eventually martyred for his courageous defence and witness for his faith and we can see the tremendous change from such a doubter and someone who had a shaky faith, into a firm believer and faithful servant who served God unto his death in martyrdom. Such an example should be an inspiration for us that we may grow in faith and love for God from now onwards. May the Lord continue to guide us by the light of His presence and strengthen us just as He has strengthened His Apostles! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!