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We are walking in our earthly journey ever closer to the celebration of our nation's independence. A date close to it reminds us of St. Thomas the Apostle. I am reminded that Pentecost is the time of remembering that the Holy Spirit moves among us to remind us of our Savior and Christ's great care for every human soul!
St. Thomas was a Jew from Galilee, called by Jesus to accompany him on his mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God, just as everyone of us. When teh life of Jesus was threatened as he went to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas said, "Let us also go." At the last Supper, when Jesus spoke of going away to his Father, Thomas replied, "Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know teh way?" With teh rest of the Apostles, Thomas fled teh scene as Jesus was arrested and put to death.
Even on easter Sunday, Thomas was not with the others when Jesus came into teh room where they were. Though each spoke jubilantly, "We have seen the Lord!" Thomas answered, "I will not believe until I put my finger into the nail marks in his hands and side."As we all know, the expression "Doubting Thomas" originates here.
Just one week later, when Jesus appeared again to his followers, Thomas was with them. Jesus said, "Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Do not remain an unbeliever. Believe!" Thomas said, "My Lord and my God!"
St. Gregory the Great wrote, "The unbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than teh faith of the other disciples." Our doubts are answered by the demand of Thomas to know that Jesus' resurrection was authentic.
Thomas is said to have preached the Good News of Jesus to the people of India. He was martyred eight miles from Madras and buried in Mylapore, India.
How will we make a witness of Christ in our lives? How will each of us use our fears and doubts, our investigative powers, to unravel our own mystery of faith?
Because you have seen me, Thomas, you have believed; blessed are they who have not seen me and yet believe.
Blessings,
Pastor Jim
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