Merry Feast of St. Thomas

Lest we move too quickly to the NEXT season of the Church (which is still 4 days away!), we are given a wonderful opportunity in this last week of Advent to remember the apostle Thomas.  Unfortunately, he will be forever chained to the moniker “doubting,” which is true in so far as it goes, but doesn’t tell the entire story.

Thomas only makes a name for himself in the Gospel of John.  He is mentioned in the other Gospels, but only in the list of disciples called by Jesus.  However, in John’s Gospel, he is the curious one, asking the questions no one else is brave enough to ask.  When Jesus is explaining to the disciples of what will happen after his death, and offhandedly states, “And you know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:4), it is Thomas who confesses, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). 

I think that everyone in the room, except for Jesus, had the same question, but it was only Thomas who asked.  Jesus, I am sure like many teachers, thought his students understood all that he had been telling them, but this one inquiry let him know he needed to be clearer in his message.  “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life.” (John 14:6) The Church has benefited from Thomas’ willingness to own his ignorance, look like a fool to his friends, and take a chance by asking a question.  The question could have come from a place of doubt, but probably more in himself than in Jesus.

The story most people connect Thomas with doubting is after Jesus’ resurrection, when Thomas refuses to accept his friends’ testimonies of seeing the Risen Christ unless he sees and touches Jesus for himself.  Jesus obliges Thomas’ request the next time he shows up, asking Thomas to put his fingers in Jesus’ wounds as he wanted.  However, Thomas does not touch Jesus before he proclaims, “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28) This confession of faith is usually dampened because of Thomas’ earlier demand for proof, but it is important to note NO ONE ELSE made such a proclamation even after seeing Jesus!  Even with all his doubts, Thomas is one of the most faithful disciples –more than Peter – because of his confession of faith.  It takes Thomas, the least likely candidate, to proclaim Jesus as his God in John’s Gospel. 

We have much to learn from Thomas’ honesty, openness and doubts.  Rather than suffer in silence, he asks questions of Jesus, seeks answers to what might seem obvious, and meets God on his journey.   Many of us, including me, struggle with our faith, especially at this time of year.  We see conflict and confusion, tears and terror in our world.  We have difficulties in our personal lives, work, and/or medical issues.  We miss loved ones who have died or are estranged or live far away.  Our hope and faith can easily wane under the burden of all of this pain and suffering.

The most challenging times is when remembering Thomas and his story is important, to recognize the truth of our struggle and believe that God IS in the midst of it.  Faith does not remove difficulty or doubt, but it does help us by reminding us we are not alone.  Our questions are real and OK.  It is only if we stop asking questions that doubt overcomes faith. 

So let us keep asking questions, being curious and even doubtful.  That is the best way to birth Jesus into our lives on Christmas and every day.


Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In Christ,
Rev. Valerie+

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