Reflect and decide how the Saints do

Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples: "Let us also go to die with him." John 11:16

What a great line! The context is important to understand. Thomas said it after Jesus told His apostles that he was going up to Jerusalem because his friend Lazarus was sick and close to death. In fact, as the story unfolds, Lazarus actually died before Jesus arrived at his home. Of course, we know the end of the story that Lazarus was raised by Jesus. But the Apostles tried to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem because they knew there were many who had been hostile enough towards him and who wanted to kill him. But Jesus decided to go anyway. It was in this context that St. Thomas said to the others: "Let us also go to die with him." Once again, what a great line!

It's a great line because Thomas seemed to say it with some determination to accept whatever awaited them in Jerusalem. He seemed to know that Jesus would face resistance and persecution. And he also seemed ready to face that persecution and death with Jesus.

Of course Thomas is well known for being the doubter. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, he refused to accept that the other apostles actually saw Jesus. But although he is well known for his act of doubt, we should not lose the courage and determination he had at the time. At that moment, he was willing to go with Jesus to face his persecution and death. And he was also willing to face death himself. Although he eventually fled when Jesus was arrested, it is believed that he eventually went to India as a missionary where he eventually suffered martyrdom.

This step should help us reflect on our own willingness to move forward with Jesus to deal with any persecution that might await us. Being a Christian requires courage. We will be different from the others. We will not adapt to the culture that surrounds us. And when we refuse to conform to the day and age we live in, we will most likely experience some form of persecution. Are you ready for this? Are you willing to endure it?

We must also learn from St. Thomas that even if we fail, we can start again. Thomas was willing, but then fled at the sight of the persecution. He ended up doubting, but in the end he bravely lived his conviction to go and die with Jesus. It is not as many as we fail; rather, it's how we end the race.

Reflect today on the resolution in the heart of St. Thomas and use it as a meditation on your decision. Don't worry if you fail in this resolution, you can always get up and try again. Also reflect on the final resolution that St. Thomas made when he died a martyr. Make the choice to follow his example and you too will be counted among the saints of Heaven.

Lord, I want to follow you wherever you lead. Give me a firm decision to walk in your ways and to imitate St. Thomas' courage. When I can't, help me go back and fix it again. I love you, dear Lord, help me to love you with my life. Jesus I believe in you.