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Saint Thomas

d. 72

Saint Thomas, d. 72

July 3

Saint Thomas is best known for his response to reports of Jesus’ Resurrection. Because he didn’t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, he is called “Doubting Thomas.”

“Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe’ ” (John 20:24-29).

Tradition says that after Pentecost, Thomas preached in India. A large group there still call themselves “Christians of Saint Thomas.” When Thomas came to the city of King Misdai, he converted the king’s wife and son. For this, he was led out of the city to a hill and pierced through with spears by four soldiers.

Discuss: Thomas needed to see in order to believe. What helps you to believe without seeing?

Activity
Appearance of the Risen Jesus

Linguistic

Saint Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus appeared to him. Divide the class into pairs or trios and assign each a Scripture passage about an appearance of the Risen Jesus. Invite each small group to report back to the large group.

  • John 20:14-18, Jesus Appears to the Women
  • Luke 24:13-15, The Road to Emmaus
  • Matthew 28:16-20, On a Mountain in Galilee
  • John 21:1-14, By the Sea of Tiberias