It is fortunate that St. Thomas the Apostle is also known as "Thomas the Believer," although "Thomas the Doubter" comes to mind at first.
Jesus' words to Thomas in the gospel passage today are in no way negative: You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me! This is an affirmation of Thomas's true act of belief which was expressed in his acclamation: MY LORD! and MY GOD! These are no mere words – they had to be inspired by a movement of the Holy Spirit – and so they were!
But Jesus goes on and says blessed and happy will those people be throughout the ages who have not seen me with their eyes but who have nonetheless very really and truly seen me with the eyes of faith and the movement of the Holy Spirit within them. They too will be able to say with you, Thomas, MY LORD! and MY GOD!
The FAITH of the Catholic Church is built upon the FAITH of the Apostles that was tested, manifested and affirmed in many ways!
The particular mode of Thomas' profession of faith applies to "many from Missouri" who need to be "shown – in order to believe!" That is perfectly alright – so long as the belief does come – and what follows: a community of people who become and are the dwelling place of God in the Spirit. This is exactly what the Church is: THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD ON EARTH – by the working of the Holy Spirit.
Being sent by Jesus on Pentecost, Thomas brought the faith and the Gospel of the Church to India – which at that time included everything south and east of the Roman Empire: lands, which now include, not only India as we know it, but also, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria: lands that today, so much need to know of the reality and healing power of life in the Church.
Thomas was the right person to send there – because his main characteristic was fierce loyalty: the gospels tell us that he was ready to die with Jesus when his final hours were approaching – he was always defending and protecting Jesus. But he wasn't always clear about who Jesus really was and where he came from and where he was going back to; and so in reply to his question to Jesus about these things Jesus gives his very important and classic response: Thomas, I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!
This is a summary of all of theology! – and it was initiated by a simple question posed by an inquisitive, yet open-minded and goodhearted disciple!
May we be such disciples today! - and may we believe the answers that Jesus gives us to questions we ask him!
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