Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But Thomas said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
John 20:24-29

Prayer

Dear Father so many of us long to do as Thomas has done in order to believe. To touch the wounds of our Lord to prove to us that he rose from the dead. Little did Thomas' gesture so very long ago had given us the words we whisper when the Body and Blood is elevated at Mass in our day. We are truly blessed because we believe without seeing. We have Jesus in the Eucharist where we can see him, we can feel him and touch him. The words "My Lord and My God," now have significance. For many to believe this, it is often difficult to fathom such a gift. Yet throughout the years we have held this treasure and brought it where it is today. We adore you Jesus for you are life and love. May we come to receive you in this most precious way with awe, saying to ourselves "My Lord and My God," come renew the ardor of our hearts. Amen