Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Intention: For a spirit of liberty in our nation that inspires all of us to use our freedom to lift ourselves and one another into lives of integrity, dignity, justice, and solidarity.
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 said 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 nailmarks 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 for Saint Thomas, Apostle | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
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 came to heal the wounds of sin in all of our lives. We need you to help us in our moments of selfishness and self-righteousness. Bless us with your grace each day, strengthening us to be true and constant disciples. May all that we do be part of the hand of your saving presence in our broken and hurting world. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.