Thomas, Apostle Feast
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 117: 1bc, 2
Alleluia: John 20: 29
Gospel: John 20: 24-29
First Reading: Ephesians 2: 19-22
19 Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God,
20 Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:
21 In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord.
22 In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 117: 1bc, 2
R. (Mark 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
1bc O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
2 For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Alleluia: John 20: 29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
29 You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: John 20: 24-29
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you.
27 Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.
28 Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God.
29 Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed.
Reflection
Thomas does not accept the witness of the other disciples easily. He needs to encounter the wounds of the risen Jesus for himself. Christ does not reject him for this struggle. He comes into the midst of the gathered disciples, speaks peace, and offers Thomas the very signs he requested. In the presence of Jesus, doubt is not the final word. Thomas is led to a deeper confession: “My Lord and my God.”
The same risen Lord blesses those who believe without seeing, including every generation that receives the apostolic testimony. Faith joins us to the foundation laid by the apostles, making us fellow citizens in God’s household and a dwelling place of the Spirit. This gift is never meant to remain enclosed. Having received the mercy and enduring truth of God, the Church is sent to proclaim the Good News to all nations. Our witness may begin with questions and imperfect faith, but Christ meets us with peace and forms us into a living temple where his presence can be recognized.
Prayer
Risen Jesus, my Lord and my God, meet me in the places where faith feels uncertain. Speak your peace into my doubts, and help me recognize your presence through the witness of your apostles and the life of your Church. Make me a faithful dwelling place for your Spirit, joined to others in love and truth. Strengthen my trust in what I cannot see, and give me courage to share the Good News with humility and sincerity. May my life point others toward your mercy and enduring truth. Amen.
Leave a Reply