Saint Thomas the Apostle, Saint of the day for July 3rd

(1st century - 21 December 72)

The story of St. Thomas the Apostle

Poor Tommaso! He made an observation and has been branded "Doubting Thomas" ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit declaration of faith in the New Testament: "My Lord and My God!" and, thus expressing his faith, he gave Christians a prayer that will be said until the end of time. He also raised a compliment from Jesus to all subsequent Christians: “Did you come to believe why you saw me? Blessed are those who have not seen and believed ”(John 20:29).

Thomas should be equally famous for his courage. Maybe what he said was impetuous - since he ran, like the rest, to the clash - but he could barely have been sincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after the death of Lazarus. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking in the midst of his enemies and almost leading to death. Realizing this, Thomas said to the other apostles: "Let us also go to die with him" (John 11: 16b).

Reflection
Thomas shares the fate of Peter the impetuous, James and John, the "sons of thunder", Philip and his mad request to see the Father, indeed all the apostles in their weakness and lack of understanding. We must not exaggerate these facts, since Christ did not choose men of no value. But their human weakness once again underlines the fact that holiness is a gift from God, not a human creation; it is given to normal men and women with weaknesses; it is God who gradually transforms weaknesses into the image of Christ, the brave, confident and loving one.