St. Thomas the Apostle: The Bravest of Them All
Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas, one of the most courageous and dedicated apostles of Jesus Christ. On this special day, July 3rd, 2024, we reflect on the remarkable journey and unwavering faith of St. Thomas, whose mission took him further than any other disciple.
St. Thomas demonstrated his bravery early on when he proclaimed, "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). This powerful statement highlights his willingness to follow Jesus even unto death, showcasing a depth of faith and courage unmatched by others. To go and face even death, only the bravest of the brave can do.
Often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," it’s crucial to understand the true nature of his doubt. Thomas did not doubt Jesus; rather, he was bewildered by how humans could kill the God he knew and believed in deeply. His doubt was rooted in his profound faith and conviction that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God.
When Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas’s faith was profoundly affirmed. "Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe'" (John 20:27). And Thomas did exactly as his master commanded. In that very moment, the grace of Jesus flowed from the wound and filled Thomas, transforming his doubt into unshakeable faith and unparalleled bravery as Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
The courage and faith of St. Thomas serve as an inspiration to all believers. His journey to India laid the foundation for a rich Christian heritage in the region. The vibrant Christian communities in India today owe their faith to the seeds planted by St. Thomas.
The legacy of St. Thomas’s mission is profound. The disciples he made in India are the ancestors of today’s Christian communities in the region. These descendants have carried the torch of faith, becoming some of the most dedicated missionaries, spreading the Gospel not only in India but across the world.
St. Thomas was martyred in 72 AD at St. Thomas Mount in Mylapore, Chennai, India. He was pierced with a spear, which is why he is often depicted holding a spear. His tomb is located at the Santhome Basilica in Chennai.
On this Feast of St. Thomas, let us remember his incredible journey and unwavering faith. May his life story inspire us to deepen our own faith and share the message of Jesus with courage and conviction.
Let’s honor St. Thomas by spreading the Good News to the ends of the earth. Share the Bibleon app with your family, friends, and network across the globe. Encourage them to download it and keep it on while at home, away, or traveling. Play it for small babies so they grow in age and wisdom, and for the elderly who can listen. Teach others who are not tech-savvy to use the app. This is the very least we can do to honor the great apostle who traveled and endured hardships to spread the Good News of his Master, our Lord Jesus, whom he loved more than his life.
To explore more about the teachings of St. Thomas and deepen your understanding of the Gospel, download the Bibleon app and immerse yourself in the Word of God.
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