Saint of the day · July 3
St Thomas the Apostle
Liturgical colour : Red
St. Thomas the Apostle, often called “Doubting Thomas,” holds a vital place among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is best known for expressing skepticism about Jesus’ Resurrection until he could see and touch the risen Christ himself. This moment, narrated in the Gospel of John, leads to Thomas’s profound act of faith, as he declares Jesus to be “My Lord and my God.” Although many focus on his doubts, the Church venerates Thomas for his honest searching and eventual bold proclamation of faith.
Early Christian tradition, though not certain in all details, holds that Thomas later travelled east to proclaim the Gospel, possibly reaching as far as India, where he is especially revered by the ancient Christian community known as the Saint Thomas Christians. His missionary courage and unwavering conviction, even in the face of uncertainty, serve as an inspiration to all who struggle with doubt. The feast celebrates the depth of both human questioning and divine mercy, and reminds believers that Christ invites and welcomes sincere inquiry. St. Thomas’s story encourages Catholics to bring their doubts and questions to Jesus, trusting that persistent seeking can lead to a deeper and more mature faith.
The Church honours St. Thomas on July 3rd, giving thanks for his eventual witness and the universality of Christ’s message, which reaches people of every nation. His example calls us to a dynamic, courageous faith that both asks and dares to believe.
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Mass readings
“Built into the structure which has the Apostles as its foundation” — Ep 2, 19-22
Brothers,
you are no longer strangers or people just passing through,
you are fellow citizens with the saints,
you are members of the household of God,
because you have been built into the structure
which has the Apostles and prophets as its foundation;
and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
In him, the whole building is joined together harmoniously
to become a holy temple in the Lord.
In him, you too are built together
to become a dwelling place for God through the Holy Spirit.
- The word of the Lord.
Ps 116, 1, 2
Praise the Lord, all you nations;
glory him, all you peoples!
His love for us is strong;
the faithfulness of the Lord is everlasting!
“My Lord and my God!” — Jn 20, 24-29
One of the Twelve, Thomas
(who is called the Twin),
was not with them
when Jesus came.
The other disciples said to him:
“We have seen the Lord!”
But he answered them:
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands,
put my finger into the place of the nails,
and put my hand into his side,
I will not believe!”
Eight days later,
the disciples were together again in the house,
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came,
although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst.
He said:
“Peace be with you!”
Then he said to Thomas:
“Put your finger here and see my hands;
reach out your hand and put it into my side;
do not be unbelieving,
but believe.”
Thomas answered him:
“My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him:
“Because you have seen me, you believe.
Blessed are those who believe without seeing.”
- Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org