LET US GO, TOO, AND DIE WITH ST. THOMAS
Today’s
saint, the Apostle Thomas, has been known mainly through the Gospel
episode we read today. This passage is the origin of the idiomatic
expression, “doubting Thomas,” casting, no doubt (pardon the pun!), a negative light on the man.
Instead, there is another Gospel verse, John 11:16, that is seldom read
but worth considering especially today. It is more positive of Thomas.
The episode is the resurrection of Lazarus. Though some have pictured
Thomas in this verse as someone cynical or sarcastic, we take it instead
to be a heroic affirmation of his bravery and his loyalty to Jesus
Christ.
Finally, there is still one more Gospel passage, John 14:1-7, where
Thomas again figures prominently. Here, Thomas, in all his simplicity,
admits his ignorance and asks Jesus a question, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” To which Jesus replies, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
Was Thomas simply wanting to be sure, or playing it safe here? We do
not know for sure. In any case, what is important for us is that we
truly have in Thomas a saint to honor and emulate. His candor,
sincerity, simplicity and courage endear him to us. Should we have our
fair share of struggles doubts and hesitations, let us not hesitate to
call on Thomas. Let us go and die with him — not literally, of course.
Rather, let us die to our selfish desires and weak tendencies, and allow
Jesus to cast away our doubts and fears, just as He did with Thomas. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are there doubts in your mind about following Jesus? Ask St. Thomas to intercede for you.
Thank
You, Lord, for giving us St. Thomas to be our model in times of
hesitation and doubts. May his faith and bravery be ours, too.
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