Various Qualities of St Thomas

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 14th Week - Sunday*

*Solemnity of St Thomas the Apostle: Apostle of India*

*GOSPEL -  John 20:24-29*

*FIRST READING - Acts 10:24-35*

*Second Reading: Heb 1:2-3*

*Various Qualities of St Thomas*

*1) The Courage of St Thomas*

Among all other Disciples Thomas was courageous person 

When other Disciples feared about going with Jesus to Judea because of the fear of Jews, who were looking to stone them it is Thomas who said *Let's also go with Him and Die* John 11:16

After the death of Jesus other other Disciples were inside the House for the fear of Jews. 

But Thomas was not with them. Where did he go? He might have gone out. Because he was not frightened. 

We need to have the Courage of St Thomas 

*2) Seeking Right answers from Right Persons*

When Jesus told about going to the Father, preparing the place there, Thomas infact didn't understand what Jesus was saying. 

So he asked Jesus *We don't know where you are going, then How can we know the way?* 

Once again Thomas seeks the answer from Jesus to clarify His doubt 

It is very important to clarify the with the right person to get the Right answer 

*3)  No Hypocrisy in Thomas*

Thomas was a sincere may. He did not act as if he knew everything 

Where there was some issues he straightaway asked questions to clarify the matter 

So it is also applicable to the scene of resurrection after Jesus was raised to life 

*4) Doubt of St Thomas*

Doubt of Thomas clarified many things 

It cleared the resurrection of Jesus 

It cleared that the same Jesus who died on the Cross was raised to life

It strengthened the faith not only of St Thomas but the faith of all the followers of Jesus 

The Doubt of Thomas communicates a powerful message that *Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed."* 

*5) Once doubt cleared no more Doubt*

We see a special feature in the Doubt of St Thomas. Which can be seen in the following way 

Once the doubt was cleared, Thomas never Doubted the resurrection of Jesus 

We need to learn from St Thomas how to come out from our Doubt and to live a life trust and confidence 

*6) Thomas in my life*

Which aspect of Thomas is dominating in my life? 

The courage of St Thomas to proclaim Jesus?

The genuine desire to know the truth by clarifying the doubts? 

The readiness to sacrifice ones life for Jesus

To be with the Master? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*