Page 10 - Faith Connections Issue 2 (4)

ISSUE 2 JULY 2021

Mar Walah!

ST. THOMAS: MOST LOVING AND BRAVE (NOT DOUBTING)

By Theresa Tomy, Teacher/Parent

As we celebrate Dukhrana, the feast of St. Thomas, I want to share a simple
thought about the Christian experience of St. Thomas. People often call or picture
St. Thomas as "doubting Thomas," but I would say that our father in faith was the
most brave apostle and the one who loved Jesus the most.

When Jesus talked about going back to Judea to see Lazarus who was ill, the
disciples were frightened. They warned Jesus that the Jews were trying to stone
Him and that He should not go (John 11:8). Then Thomas, called Didymus, said to
his fellow disciples “let us also go to die with Him” (John 11:16). This illustrates
how brave Thomas was and how much he loved Jesus, to the point of wanting to
die with his Master.

Thomas’ bravery is also evident in his
evangelization in Persia and India. It must
have been terribly lonely and challenging to
travel and proclaim the gospel in foreign
lands. But Thomas’ love for Jesus and
fortitude strengthened him to even die as a
martyr.

Furthermore, in John 20:24 we read that
Thomas was not with the disciples when
Jesus appeared to them after the
resurrection.
So the other disciples told Thomas “we have seen the Lord." Then Thomas said
“unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands… and put my hand into His side, I
will not believe.” These words sometimes make people criticize Thomas for
doubting. But this highlights two powerful characteristics of Thomas - love and
courage. While all the other disciples were inside the locked room out of fear of
the Jews, Thomas was the only one who was brave enough to go outside the
house. Additionally, Thomas felt heartbroken that he could not see Jesus. This love
for Jesus is what compelled his frustrating sentiment to touch the Lord himself.

As we approach another Dukhrana, let us not overshadow the courage and love of
St. Thomas with his outcry to see the Lord. Instead, let us also love Jesus as our
father in faith did and be brave enough to proclaim Him: My Lord and My God, MAR
WALAH!

PAGE 10 FAITH IN OUR COUNTRY EDITION | ISSUE 2