July 3rd - St. Thomas the Apostle By: Pearl Joby

Saint Thomas the Apostle in today's commemorated saint. Saint Thomas the apostle was born in the First Century AD Galilee, Roman Empire. Saint Thomas the Apostle, also called Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Saint Thomas the Apostle made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” Saint Thomas the Apostle was equally well-known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Saint Thomas the Apostle died in 53 CE at Saint Thomas Mount, India. 

INTERCESSORY PRAYER 
O St. Thomas, the Apostle of India, Father of our faith, you spread the light of Christ in the hearts of the people of India. You humbly confessed “My Lord and My God” and sacrificed your life for love of him. We pray to you to strengthen us with love and faith in Jesus Christ so that we may dedicate ourselves totally to the cause of the kingdom of justice, peace, and love. We pray that through your intercession we may be protected from all trials, dangers, and temptations and be strengthened in the love of the Triune God, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.