Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Intention: For God’s blessing on all Lasallian educators, especially those participating in the Buttimer Institute this week.
Today’s Gospel | John 20:24-29
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples aid to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
From the Meditation on Saint Thomas, Apostle | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint Thomas demonstrated his faith with distinction when he brought the Gospel to the most distant lands and sealed it with his own blood. The profession of faith of this great Apostle was so effective that there are still many Christians in the country where he died who, to show that they are descendants of those who were formed as Christians by him, call themselves the Christians of Saint Thomas.
In vain do you believe what Jesus Christ proposes to you in the holy Gospel if your actions do not give proof of your belief; in such a case, your faith is in vain. Make it known by your actions that you are guide as a child of those who were instructed by the holy Apostles in the truths of the faith. Are you ready, as they were, to die to prove the good quality of your faith? Or on the contrary, might you not be disposed to lose the grace of God and heaven in order to escape suffering? How do you show that you possess the Christian spirit? Be assured that to possess it, your actions must not give the lie to the faith you profess but, instead, be a lively expression of what is written in the Gospel.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son knew that doing your will would not be possible without faith. In our world, you often go unrecognized, and so your ways are misunderstood or rejected. Send us your Spirit to teach us how to be open to your presence. Help us to see you, to hear you, to know you. Make of us a people ready to build your Kingdom, giving ourselves completely to doing your will. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.