5 things you should know about the apostle Saint Thomas, the incredulous

Within the framework of the feast of Saint Thomas Apostle, that the Catholic Church celebrates every July 3, we present these little known data of the life and testimony of this great saint.

One of the most remembered moments by Catholics about the apostle Saint Thomas with Jesus is perhaps the biblical episode in which the Saint meets Christ after his death, and Jesus offers him to touch the wounds of his side and his hands.

Thanks to the Gospel of St. John and the writings of some of the first historians of the Catholic Church, today we can affirm that this episode is only part of his life as an apostle and also, deepen other aspects about his life that, without a doubt, are of great wealth for our Christian life.

Next, know 5 key data on the life of the apostle Saint Thomas, patron of judges, architects and theologians:

1. Tomás was a man of deep faith

A few days after Jesus had escaped from a fierce lamp in Jerusalem, he received the news that his friend Lázaro was quite sick. Lázaro lived in Bethany, very close to Jerusalem, so Jesus felt strongly forced to visit him, and knew that a miracle was necessary around Lázaro’s death to show the glory of God.

However, the apostles were horrified and tried to discourage Jesus about returning to the place where he had almost been killed. Ironically, Tomás was the only one who believed and bravely encouraged everyone to go to Bethany with Jesus, even if that meant death for them. “Let’s also die with him” (John 11:16), Tomás said.

2. Tomás’ “doubt” episode was after the resurrection of Jesus

For some reason, Tomás was not when Jesus resurrected appeared to the disciples throughout his glory. When he met with them they told him everything that had happened, but he was not convinced. Then, he made his famous statement about the need to “place his finger and hand in the wounds of Jesus”, and that only then would believe.

Thus, Jesus appeared again a week later, and this time Tomás was there. Jesus momentarily offered the Apostle the opportunity to touch his wounds.

After that, Tomás proclaimed a burning belief in Risen Jesus.

3. Tomás evangelized in India

Most of the traditions suggest that Tomás had evangelized in India after Pentecost. Today, there is a devout community of Catholics on the coast of juggling in this country that call themselves “the Christians of Saint Thomas”. They claim that their community began through the teachings of the apostle.

4. Death condemned for evangelizing

Santo Tomás preached in Persia and other nearby places, as well as in Ethiopia and India. It is believed that he was sentenced to death for his evangelization works in the latter country. It is honored on July 3 and is the patron of architects, builders, judges, theologians and cities of Prato, Parma and Urbino in Italy.

5. Nine days in prayer with the apostle

With the aim of better imitating Tomás’s courage to remain close to the Lord despite the dangers that may arise, as well as overcome doubts in the heart, it can be done nine days in prayer next to the apostle. A daily passage of Saint Thomas is read within personal prayer for nine days, and in this way, the apostle helps to bring Christ closer.

• Day 1 – Matthew 10, 1–15

• Day 2 – Mark 3, 13–19

• Day 3 – Luke 6, 12–16.

• Day 4 – Lucas 8, 22–25.

• Day 5 – John 11, 8–16.

• Day 6 – John 14, 5–6

• Day 7 – John 20, 24–29.

• Day 8 – John 21, 1–14.

• Day 9 – Acts 1, 6–14

  
  This news was originally published on July 2, 2020.