HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS, APOSTLE.
THEME: ‘My Lord and my God!’
BY: Fr. Deotacious Chikontwe SMA.
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Ephesians 2:19-22
Psalm 116:1-2
John 20:24-29
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
RED
*INTRODUCTION*
Good morning dear brothers and sisters in Christ.Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Thomas, the apostle. Known as the one who doubted the Lord, His Resurrections, words and teachings. Saint Thomas was not an easy man to convince, as the Scriptures has shown us. He later became one of the most ardent disciples of the Lord, and went on to do great things for the greater glory of God, spreading the Good News of God to more and more people who have not yet heard of Him.
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, we heard that, all the faithful people of God are parts of the Church, the Body of Christ. The Apostles meanwhile are the foundations and the pillars, as were the prophets and other great saints and messengers of God. Each one of them are important parts of the Church, which allowed the Church to grow ever larger and prosper among the people of God. St. Thomas the Apostle was one of these many pillars, and the contributions and works he had done, all were meant to strengthen the structure and the support of the Church.
RELATED: HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In our Gospel passage today, we heard how the Lord appeared to Saint Thomas and other Apostles. Initially, the Lord appeared to all the Apostles and His disciples except for Saint Thomas himself who was away and not present. Saint Thomas doubled down on his stubborn refusal to believe in the Lord’s resurrection, and even challenged that he would not believe unless he could put his fingers into the wounds of the Lord, and prove that He was truly risen in the flesh, or else he would not believe in Him. That was when the Lord proved him wrong and revealed to St. Thomas himself that He was indeed Risen from the dead.
*CONCLUSION*
We are being reminded today, that serious doubt and great faith can reside in one and the same person. The Lord considers anyone who is a seeker and who wishes to believe as a believer already. If we remain true to our spiritual search, even as we struggle with doubt, the Lord will keep drawing near to us, inviting us, as he invited Thomas, ‘Doubt no longer but believe’.
Saint Thomas, pray for us all who are sinners and are weak in our faith, that God may also strengthen our faith in Him and our love and dedication to Him, as He has done with you. Amen.
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