Thought for the Week beginning 2nd July, 2023

"Doubting" Thomas

The third of July is the day when the Church remembers Thomas the Apostle. He is mentioned among the number of the Apostles (the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus) in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, but it is in John's gospel that his significance  is fully revealed and we get a sharp impression of the sort of man he was. There are three significant events recorded. Firstly, he is heard encouraging the other disciples to go to Judea with Jesus when he declares his intention to visit his friend Lazarus who had recently died: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" he says (John 11.16). Then, much later at the Last Supper, not knowing what Jesus meant when he talked about where he was to go, Thomas elicited the answer: "I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14. 5-7). But perhaps most famously he was the Apostle notably unconvinced by reports of the resurrection of Jesus, causing Jesus to show him the marks in his hands, feet and side. Thomas then proclaims the words that have been described as the great climax to John's gospel by saying to Jesus, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20. 24-28).

There is endless speculation about Thomas's subsequent life. There are no references to him in the Acts of the Apostles which covers the early years of the Church, although there are some non-biblical writings attributed to him.  Early Christian writers record that he travelled to India and founded a Christian community there. Tradition has it that he was martyred in Chennai in AD 72 and Indian Christians regard him as their patron saint (there are flourishing churches in Kerala and Tamil Nadhu and the third of July is one of great festival).

It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that Thomas has acquired the soubriquet "doubting". He did of course want some sort of proof that Jesus had risen from the dead, having doubted the words of the women and his fellow apostles, but his final acclamation is a bold statement of faith which none of the others used. To that extent, then, he is very much like all of us at times - uncertain, puzzled by the ways of God, looking for guidance. Jesus in his compassion realises this and meets Thomas where he is at. In his case it is physical evidence and Jesus declares that those who do not have such proof but still believe are greatly blessed (John 20.29). God still comes to us by his Holy Spirit in our need, worry and doubt

Thomas is much like us in other respects too. He clearly had something of an enquring and questioning mind, asking Jesus plainly what he meant when talking about going away. Again, Jesus  responded and made that remarkable declaration that he was the true way to know God. Our Father welcomes everyone and does not turn away those who question, examine or probe. We all need to do this, for our faith should be deep rooted and truly meaningful to us. Do not be afraid to ask God and to challenge him  - it is what Thomas did and Jesus replied.

And Thomas is someone who, after careful thought, is not afraid boldly to declare his faith: "Let us also go," he proclaims, and, "My Lord and my God."  He may have had doubts, he may have been a questioner, but the thrill he demonstrates in the exuberance of understanding echoes down the centuries to us who come to God today.

What a lot St. Thomas the Apostle has to teach us.

Tony Bushell.