Homily for the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle

Today, we celebrate the feast day of our parish's beloved patron saint, Thomas the Apostle. His life continues to inspire and guide us in our faith journey.

In John's Gospel, we are introduced to Thomas in a moment of great significance. After the death of Lazarus, when fear gripped some of the Apostles about going with Jesus to Judea, it was Thomas who boldly declared, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." This act of courage and faith is a testament to his character.

Next, we hear from Thomas after Jesus explained that he was going to His heavenly Father and that, one day, the Apostles would join Him there. Thomas responded, saying, "LORD, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"

We also hear from Thomas in the scene for which he is perhaps best known: He doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead and said he would not believe until he saw and touched Jesus's wounds, which he did during a subsequent appearance by the Risen LORD. He is so well-known for this scene that skeptical people are often called "Doubting Thomases."

Thomas had much more to say during his lifetime. He traveled to India and preached the Gospel, establishing seven churches before being martyred in 72 AD. It is also believed that he traveled to China and, possibly, to Indonesia.

As our patron Saint, let us pray, asking St. Thomas' intercession that our faith may be strong and that we may follow wherever the LORD calls.