The Apostle Thomas, His Question Gives Us the Right ... to Ask Jesus for Explanations

ZENIT News Agency ^ | September 27, 2006 | Benedict XVI

[ELS]

The Apostle Thomas

"His Question Gives Us the Right … to Ask Jesus for Explanations"

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI's address at today's general audience, dedicated to present the figure of the Apostle Thomas.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Continuing with our encounters with the Twelve Apostles chosen directly by Jesus, today we dedicate our attention to Thomas. Always present in the four lists of the New Testament, he is presented in the first three Gospels next to Matthew (cf. Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15), while in the Acts of the Apostles he appears next to Philip (cf. Acts 1:13). His name stems from a Hebrew root, "ta'am," which means "twin." In fact, John's Gospel calls him sometimes with the nickname "Didymus" (cf. John 11:16; 20:24; 21:2), which in Greek means precisely "twin." The reason for this name is not clear.

The fourth Gospel, in particular, gives us some information which offers us some significant characteristics of his personality. The first is the exhortation he made to the other apostles when Jesus, at a critical moment of his life, decided to go to Bethany to raise Lazarus, thus coming dangerously close to Jerusalem (cf. Mark 10:32). On that occasion, Thomas said to his fellow disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). His determination when it came to following the Master is truly exemplary and gives us a precious teaching: It reveals the total willingness of adherence to Jesus to the point of identifying his own fate with His, and of wanting to share with Him the supreme trial of death.

In fact, what is most important is never to distance oneself from Jesus. When the Gospels use the verb "follow," they intend to explain that wherever he goes, his disciple must also go. Thus, Christian life is defined as a life with Jesus Christ, a life that must be spent with him. St. Paul wrote something similar when he calmed Christians of Corinth with these words: "You are in our hearts, to die together and to live together" (2 Corinthians 7:3). What is true between the Apostle and his Christians must also be true above all in the relationship between Christians and Jesus himself: to die together, to live together, to be in his heart as he is in ours.

A second intervention of Thomas is recorded in the Last Supper. On that occasion, Jesus, predicting his imminent departure, announces that he will go to prepare a place for the disciples so that they will also be where he is; and he specifies: "And you know the way where I am going" (John 14:4). Then Thomas intervenes, saying: "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" (John 14:5).

In reality, with these words he places himself in a rather low level of understanding, but [his words] offer Jesus the opportunity to utter the famous definition: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). Therefore, in the first instance, he makes this revelation to Thomas, but it is valid for all of us and for all times. Every time we hear or read these words, we can be in thought next to Thomas and imagine that the Lord also speaks with us as he spoke with him.

At the same time, his question also gives us the right, so to speak, to ask Jesus for explanations. We often do not understand him. We must have the courage to say to him: I do not understand you, Lord, hear me, help me to understand. In this way, with such frankness, which is the authentic way to pray, to converse with Jesus, we express the littleness of our capacity to understand, but at the same time we assume the attitude of trust of one who expects light and strength from the one able to give them.

Then, very well known, even proverbial, is the scene of Thomas' incredulity, which took place eight days after Easter. Initially, he did not believe that Jesus had appeared in his absence and had said: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25). Deep down, from these words emerges the conviction that Jesus is no longer recognized by his face, but rather by the wounds. Thomas believes that the characteristic signs of Jesus' identity are now above all his wounds, in which is revealed to what point he has loved us. In this the apostle is not mistaken.

As we know, eight days later, Jesus again appears to his disciples and on this occasion Thomas is present. And Jesus says to him: "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing" (John 20:27).

Thomas reacts with the most splendid profession of faith of the New Testament: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). In this connection, St. Augustine comments: Thomas "saw and touched the man, but confessed his faith in God, whom he did not see or touch. But what he saw and touched led him to believe that which until then he had doubted" ("In Iohann" 121, 5). The evangelist continues with one last phrase of Jesus addressed to Thomas: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29).

This phrase can also be enunciated in the present: "Blessed are those who do not see and believe." In any case, Jesus enunciates here a fundamental principle for Christians who will come after Thomas, that is, for all of us. It is interesting to observe how another Thomas, the great medieval theologian from Aquino, joins this blessedness with another referred to by Luke that seems opposed: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!" (Luke 10:23).

However, Thomas Aquinas comments: "He has much more merit who believes without seeing than he who seeing, believes" ("In Iohann. XX lectio" VI paragraph 2566). In fact, the Letter to the Hebrews, recalling all the series of ancient biblical patriarchs, who believed in God without seeing the fulfillment of his promises, defines faith as "guarantee of what is hoped for; the proof of realities that are not seen" (11:1).

The case of the Apostle Thomas is important for us at least for three reasons: first, because it consoles us in our insecurities; second, because it shows us that every doubt can have a luminous end beyond any uncertainty; and, finally, because the words that Jesus addressed to him remind us of the authentic meaning of mature faith and encourages us to continue, despite the difficulties, on the path of fidelity to Him.

The fourth Gospel has preserved for us a last note on Thomas, on presenting him as witness of the Risen One in the moment after the miraculous catch on the Lake of Tiberias (cf. John 21:2). On that occasion, he is mentioned also immediately after Simon Peter: an evident sign of the notable importance that he enjoyed in the ambit of the first Christian communities. In fact, in his name, were later written the "Acts" and the "Gospel of Thomas," both apocryphal, but in any case important for the study of Christian origins.

Let us recall, finally, that according to an ancient tradition, Thomas evangelized in the first instance Syria and Persia (so says Origen, as referred by Eusebius of Caesarea, "Hist. eccl." 3,1) and later went as far as western India (cf. "Acts of Thomas" 1-2: 17 and following), from where Christianity also later reached the south of India. We end our reflection with this missionary perspective, hoping that Thomas' example will increasingly confirm our faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God.

[Translation by ZENIT]

[At the end of the audience, the Pope greeted pilgrims in several languages. In English, he said:]

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Continuing our catechesis on the apostles, I wish to reflect today on Thomas the Twin. It is most especially in John's Gospel that we learn about Thomas. At a dangerous time in our Lord's life, when he decided to visit Lazarus in Bethany, it was Thomas who said: "Let us also go, that we may die with him." He shows us that the most important thing is never to distance oneself from Jesus. The life of a Christian is one spent together with the Lord.

At the Last Supper, it is Thomas who says: "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" His question leads to the celebrated response: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." Jesus also proclaims these words to us today.

A further episode in Thomas' life is well known to us all: that of the "doubting Thomas," who says "unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails ... I will not believe." Yet, once Jesus appears to him he utters the most splendid profession of faith in all the New Testament: "My Lord and my God!"

Let us take heart from the life of Thomas: He comforts us in our uncertainty; shows us that doubt can lead to spiritual growth, and he helps us learn from Jesus the true meaning of mature faith, encouraging us to persevere as disciples of Christ!

I welcome all the English-speaking pilgrims present today, including participants in the Pauline Colloquium, Friends of L'Osservatore Romano, and the Villa Maria College choir from Christchurch, New Zealand. I also greet in a special way the Asian Mission Congress Delegates and Pilgrims from Thailand. Upon all of you I invoke God's blessings of peace and joy!

© Copyright 2006 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana

[ELS]

Faithful hand a bouquet of flowers to Pope Benedict XVI, at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006. The pontiff said Wednesday that tourism should help different cultures bridge gaps and promote dialogue between the world's different people. Wednesday was World Tourism Day. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)

Pope Benedict XVI greets faithful at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006. The pontiff said Wednesday that tourism should help different cultures bridge gaps and promote dialogue between the world's different people. Wednesday was World Tourism Day. Following the pope is the pontiff's aide and Prefect of the Papal Household Archbishop James Harvey. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)

After the general audience, outside of Paul VI Hall, Pope Benedict XVI was offered a grand bronze statue of his likeness. The statue, offered by the automobile maker Toyota, is 2.37 meters tall and weighs 430 kilograms. (Copyright L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO - Servizio Fotografico - photo@ossrom.va)

[ELS]

Previous catecheses on the Apostles:
Profile of St. Peter (May 17, 2006)
On Peter, the Apostle (May 24, 2006)
The Custodian of the Communion With Christ (Peter, the Rock) (June 7, 2006)
St. Andrew, the First Called (June 14, 2006)
James the Greater (June 21, 2006)
James the Less (June 28, 2006)
John, Son of Zebedee (July 5, 2006)
John, the Theologian (August 9, 2006)
Apostle John, the Seer of Patmos (August 23, 2006)
On St. Matthew, A Model of Acceptance of God's Mercy (August 30. 2006)
The Apostle Philip, He Invites Us to Come and See Jesus (September 6, 2006)

[ELS]

My aplogies for not posting this last night. It has been a crazy couple of days. I have only gotten 6 or 7 hours sleep total during the past two nights and when I arrived at home last evening I was so exhausted that posting this thread completely slipped my mind.

Mea culpa! Please forgive me.

[ELS]

Hi guys. I didn't post this last night (see previous reply) and I'm not at home, which is where I have my ping list. Would any of you kindly ping this thread for me? Thank you very much.

[Tax-chick]

I hope they'll publish a book when he's finished!

[ELS]

I hope they'll publish a book when he's finished!

And may Benedict select the artwork for it! I'm thinking a painting or sculpture of each Apostle.

[Tax-chick]

Oh, that's a great idea, too.

[Coleus]

Thanks for posting the thread.

[SuziQ]

This Pope is so great! I taught CCD to 5th graders when we lived in NJ, and I told them to ALWAYS ask why the Church teaches what she does, rather than just reject it because they don't think it's right. I told them that there is a reason for every Church teaching, and if they just learned the reason, it would make more sense to them. Told that to my high school Confirmation prep class, too, especially about the teachings regarding sexual morality, which was uppermost on their minds. ;o)

[mockingbyrd]

My husband went into RCIA with the intent of learning about the religion that was so important to me. He left a member of that religion. His reasoning? "It just makes sense."

[SuziQ]

His reasoning? "It just makes sense."

Yep, it does.

Our #2 son is struggling with questions about his Faith. He's a very smart young man, and wants to understand all the reasons for the teachings. He was relieved when he and I were talking about his doubts, because he was worried that I'd be upset or something. I assured him that what he was feeling and thinking was normal for someone who thinks for a living. I believe he'll come through the questioning with a much stronger Faith.

I sent him a link to this article. This Pope is just the right person to lead the Church right now; he is such a deep thinker and can explain things SO well.

[padfoot_lover]

Ooh, I didn't know you were posting this every week -- what a treat! Can you put me on your ping list please? Thanks!

[ELS]

Thanks, Coleus!

[ELS]

Weekly audience ping! Better late than never!

Please let me know if you want to be on or off of this list.

[onyx]

Bump and thanks.

[Miss Marple]

Once again, Pope Benedict shows his gift as a teacher. That really isn't a very long discussion of Thomas, but he mamkes several good points in an elegant manner.

Thanks so much for posting these.

[Salvation]

St. Thomas, Apostle

Saint Thomas the Apostle
Feast Day
July 3rd

 

CARAVAGGIO
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
1601-02, Oil on canvas, 107 x 146 cm
Sanssouci, Potsdam

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Doubting Thomas. The Gospel account of Jesus' appearance to His grieving apostles after His resurrection in John 20, tells of Thomas, who was away, being doubtful of the preposterous story that the Lord was alive. He had been with the Lord during his Passion and Crucifixion. He knew about the stone that sealed the tomb. How could his Lord be risen from the dead? I will not believe it, he told his friends, unless I put my hands in Jesus' wounds.

Every Christian can relate to this doubt -- we too are "doubting Thomases". And we, with Thomas, feel ashamed of ourselves. We follow Thomas's example in proclaiming, in awed recognition of Our Savior's living, real presence, "My Lord and my God!"

According to tradition, when the apostles dispersed to different parts of the world, Thomas was a missionary to India and the Near East.

Readings

Collect:
Almighty Father,
as we honor Thomas the apostle,
let us always experience the help of his prayers.
May we have eternal life by believing in Jesus,
whom Thomas acknowledged as Lord,
for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Gospel Reading: John 20:24-29
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe". Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing". Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

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Family Activity

Chaldean Coconut Cookies - Akras Jouz Al-Hind
These triangular coconut cookies are served at First Communion parties among Christians in such countries as Iraq. According to their tradition, Saint Thomas the Apostle on his way to India brought the Gospel to the Chaldeans of Babylon and Assyria. This recipe is adapted from Babylonian Cuisine: Chaldean Cookbook from the Middle East by Julia Najor.

-- from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz, originally published by Harper & Row in 1995, now available in paperback from Ignatius Press.

1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
4 cups flaked coconut
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

In a small heavy saucepan mix the sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture come to a boil and skim off the foam. Let cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture registers 240° F on a candy thermometer. Let cool.

In a bowl beat the eggs lightly, and add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the sugar syrup. Knead the dough gently in the bowl with the palm of the hand and the fingers for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 300° F.

Take balls of dough a little larger than a walnut. Using a spoon or your fingers, form each ball into a flattish triangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Place the cookies on greased baking sheets. Bake them for 35 to 40 minutes, or until they are very light brown.

Yield: about 2 dozen cookies.