Scripture

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Commemoration

Practically all the information about St. Thomas is found in the Fourth (John's) Gospel. "Thomas" seems not to be a personal name, but rather an epithet meaning "twin." There is a tradition that he was the twin of Jesus, at least in appearance. Although known for his "doubt," he also is responsible for the highest expression of faith in Jesus: "My Lord," Thomas said, "and my God."

Later legend says that Thomas went on to bring the Gospel to the Persian Gulf area, and even to India. He is said to have entered India as a carpenter (in art, he is usually portrayed holding a carpenter's square and rule), preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and died a martyr at Mylapore near Madras. One of the greatest of the early cathedrals (fourth century) was the Church of St. Thomas in Edessa, Syria, and his body is said to have been buried there (others claim his body is buried at St. Thomas Mount near Madras). Although possible, many scholars think it unlikely that St. Thomas reached India. However, there is a body of Christians, the "Christians of St. Thomas," along the Malabar coast in southern India who claim spiritual descent from St. Thomas and have been in India at least since the sixth century.

A Reading (reflecting on St. John 20.24-29)

And now, this is the Gospel for you, my Christian friend, who struggles with doubt and faith, with anxiety and denial . This . . . Gospel says to you: Be faithful, continue in the faith.

It is great to have assurance of faith, but perhaps you do not belong to those who can always take this for granted. However, the Master is also able to use the Thomas type. Such people have a place in His group of disciples. And let me tell you that when the time is at hand, Jesus himself will come and bring an end to your uncertainty and your timid spirit. You will understand that it is not what you fail to understand that matters. Christ has had disciples who did not understand (various doctrines of the Church).  . . Let not the devil fool you into thinking that unless you understand these things, you cannot be a disciple of Christ.

Abstain from empty and morbid speculation about whether you believe or not. This will get you no place except downwards. But be faithful to your inner soul, which once and for all has made its choice. Practice Christianity and at the proper time, even though the doors be every so tightly closed, Christ himself will appear before you and show you the hands that were pierced for your sin; and you will bow down in prayer, crying out to Him in repentance and joy, "My Lord and my God!"

-- from a sermon by Kaj Munk, quoted by Phillip Pfatteicher in Festivals and Commemorations

Prayer

Almighty and ever-living God, you have given great and precious promises to those who believe. Grant us that perfect faith which overcomes all doubts, and help us at this holy time to rightly receive the great gift of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  AMEN