St Thomas the Apostle
Feast Day July 3
 
Patron of Builders and Believers

St Thomas the Apostle is dear to Christian hearts because we each have experienced doubt at times, especially when we pray and pray for the return of our beloved prodigals and our prayer appears to go unanswered.  Let us continue to repeat the prayer of St. Thomas, even in those moments, and trust that God is working no matter how things appear.  Let us remember the words of Jesus "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed," and hold them in our faith-filled hearts.

Who was Saint Thomas?

    Thomas was one of the 12 Apostles.  His sometimes being called "Doubting Thomas" is a Scriptural reference to the Gospel of John:
     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 he 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 20:24-290  
     Thomas preached in Parthia, Persia and India. He is represented by the builder’s square because he built many churches along the way.  He built the first church in India with his own hands.  The square also represents his building a strong spiritual foundation because of his complete faith in Christ.  Thomas' prayer of faith has been offered by many since that day he first uttered the words.  It is the strongest prayer of faith to offer.

 St. Thomas' Prayer of Faith

: "My Lord and My God!"
 (John 20:28) 

Prayer asking the Intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle

O Glorious Saint Thomas, your grief for Jesus was such that it would not let you believe he had risen unless you actually saw him and touched his wounds. But your love for Jesus was equally great and it led you to give up your life for him. Pray for us that we may grieve for our sins which were the cause of Christ's sufferings. Help us to spend ourselves in his service and so earn the title of "blessed" which Jesus applied to those who would believe in him without seeing him. Amen.