Monday after Advent 4
December 21, 2009
The Lord be with you
Today is set aside on liturgical calendars for the recognition of St. Thomas. All four Gospels mention him as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. John’s Gospel, which names him "the Twin," uses Thomas's questions to reveal truths about Jesus. It is Thomas who says, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" To this question Jesus replies, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:5-6). Thomas could show great courage and loyalty to Jesus (John 11:16). John's Gospel, however, also tells how Thomas, on the evening of the day of Jesus' resurrection, doubts the report of the disciples that they had seen Jesus. Later, "doubting Thomas" becomes "believing Thomas" when he confesses Jesus as "my Lord and my God" (John 20:24-29). Thomas’ requirement of empirical evidence of the resurrection (John 20:25) has always made his story especially valuable when sharing the Gospel with skeptics. According to tradition, Thomas traveled eastward after Pentecost, eventually reaching India, where still today a group of people call themselves "Christians of St. Thomas." Thomas was martyred for the faith by being speared to death.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
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