Homily – Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
π Readings: Ephesians 2:19–22 | Psalm 117:1bc, 2 | John 20:24–29
Theme: “From Doubt to Deep Faith: My Lord and My God”
π€ 1. Introduction – The Honest Apostle
Saint Thomas is often remembered with a single label: “Doubting Thomas.”
But he deserves far more credit than that.
He was:
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A loyal disciple who said, “Let us go with Him, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16),
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An honest man who wasn’t afraid to ask questions,
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And eventually, the first to make the boldest declaration of faith in the risen Lord:
“My Lord and my God!”
His journey—from doubt to deep belief—mirrors our own.
π 2. Gospel – John 20:24–29: Doubt That Seeks the Truth
Thomas missed the first appearance of the risen Christ.
When told by the other disciples, he responded honestly:
“Unless I see… I will not believe.”
This wasn’t stubborn denial—it was a wounded heart longing for truth.
Thomas wanted more than second-hand faith.
He longed for a personal encounter—and Jesus met him there.
“Put your finger here… Do not doubt, but believe.”
Jesus didn’t shame him. He invited him.
And Thomas responded with the greatest confession in the Gospel:
“My Lord and my God.”
π️ 3. First Reading – Ephesians 2:19–22: Built on the Foundation of the Apostles
We are reminded that we are:
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No longer strangers or outsiders,
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But citizens with the saints, members of the household of God.
The Church is built on the foundation of apostles like Thomas—men who wrestled with real doubts, encountered the Risen Christ, and then proclaimed the truth courageously, even to death.
According to tradition, Thomas evangelised India, where he was eventually martyred. His doubt was not the end of his faith—it was the beginning.
π£ 4. What Does Thomas Teach Us Today?
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Faith is not the absence of questions.
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God meets us in our doubt, not with rejection—but with mercy.
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Jesus wants a faith that is real, personal, and lived.
We live in a time, especially in places like South Africa, where many are asking hard questions:
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“Where is God in injustice?”
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“Why so much suffering?”
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“Can we believe in resurrection when there’s so much death?”
Thomas teaches us: Christ welcomes sincere seekers.
If we bring our doubts to Him, He will respond—not always with visible wounds, but with grace, peace, and presence.
π¬ Quote for Reflection
“Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness,
but a lamp which guides our steps in the night.”
– Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei
πΏπ¦ 5. A Word for South Africa Today
In a country struggling with corruption, poverty, and broken trust, we need believers like Thomas:
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Honest about our pain, but still reaching for Christ.
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Willing to go where others fear to go.
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Ready to proclaim, “My Lord and my God,” even in wounded places.
Let us not fear questions. Let us fear only closing the door before the Risen Lord enters and says:
“Peace be with you.”
π Prayer for the New Day – Inspired by Saint Thomas
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the witness of Saint Thomas—
who struggled to believe,
but in the end, believed more deeply than most.
When I am tempted to doubt,
when life wounds me and makes me question Your presence,
come to me as You came to Thomas.
Show me Your hands and Your side—
not only in Scripture, but in the Church, in the Eucharist,
and in the healing love of others.
Give me the grace to say with all my heart:
“My Lord and my God!”
And like Thomas, send me wherever You will—
to speak of You, live for You, and give my life for You.
Amen.
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