[Pre-sermon note on the Divine Mercy Sunday promise and indulgence.]
Thomas is often thought of as the “doubter” – but there is so much
more to him! Indeed, as the Church
Father’s remind us, we have gained more from the doubts of Thomas than from the
faith of the other Apostles!
When Lazarus had died – Thomas was ready to go back with
Jesus to Bethany, even tho it was close to Jerusalem and likely that the Jewish
rulers would try to kill our Lord. “Let
us go to die with him also”
Thomas is called Didymus, which means “The Twin”. Didymus is
the Greek version of the Hebrew name “Thomas”.
Perhaps he had a twin brother? Maybe.
But perhaps a deeper meaning—He became like a “Twin” of Christ Jesus, mirroring
so closely our Lord as to be a sort of “Twin” or “Second Christ” in is work as
an apostle.
But he is most known for his doubts regarding our Lord’s resurrection
– the Gospel we hear on Divine Mercy Sunday.
He did doubt, but by his doubt we gained a greater proof of the resurrection. His finger touched our Lord’s wounds – and proved
to us the Jesus is Risen!
Thomas is also a great patron for Eucharistic Devotion. For
we often say “My Lord and My God” at the elevation of the Eucharist.
