by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

St. Thomas

Christ is Risen!

Sunday 26 April 2009 (18 Paremoude; 18 Baramouda)
Day of St.Thomas.

For by me your days will be multiplied and the
years of your life increased.
(Prov.9:11)

Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me
you have believed, blessed are those who have not seen,
and yet have believed.
(John 20:29)

If we seek God, He will show Himself to us, and if we keep
Him, He will remain close to us.
(Abba Arsenius)

Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.
(Psa.82:8)

Yesterday I was crucified with Him; today I am glorified with Him;
yesterday I died with Him; today I am quickened with Him.
(S.Gregory Nazianzen)

Christ has Risen from the dead, by His Death He Trampled
down death, and those in the tombs, He granted them eternal life.
(Hristos Anesti)

You who are hidden in me, Show your secret nature through
me. Uncover your beauty which is within me. You who built
a temple out of me for your dwelling, keep me under the
Shadow of your glory inside your Temple.
(The Spiritual Elder)

REFLECTION:

You never think of Jesus without thinking of God. Neither do
you ever praise and honor God without Jesus praising and
honoring God in union with you.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Jesus as our intercessor
and Saviour. Enable us to collaborate with Him in praising You
and in saving souls.
(Louis Grignion de Montfort)

HOMILY:

THOMAS.

The word Thomas means a twin and so it is translated in John 11:16 & 22:2 (Didymus). Out of this name has grown the tradition that he had a twin sister, Lydia (Patres Apost.p.212) Eusibius says his real name was Judas and that he could be a step brother of the Lord. (see Matt.13:55)

He is said to have been born at Antioch (Patres Apost.pp.272&515). In the catalogue of the Apostles he is coupled with Matthew and Philip. All that we know of him is derived from the Gospel of John. The Character is that of a man slow to believe, yet full of ardent love for his Master. He has three Traits.

The First is his speech when Our Lord determined to face the dangers that awaited Him in Judea. Thomas said 'Let us go that we may die with Him.' (John 11:16) (Impulsive)

The Second was his speech during the Last Supper. 'Thomas said to Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest.' (John 14:5)(Quo Vadis Domine) (Unseen Future).

The Third after the Resurrection. He was absent (possibly by accident or (characteristically) when the Lord first appeared. He would not believe until he saw the nail prints and wounded side. (Doubter)

There is an Apocryphal Gospel attributed to Thomas.

The Foundation of the Christian Church in Malabar (India) is attributed to Thomas. The Mar Thoma Church still exists in India today. His symbols are a Lance and a Set Square. The Lance denoting the manner in which he died. The Set Square denoting that he may have worked with wood at some time during his life.

Tradition is that he is buried in India. His Feast Days are Western,Dec.21; Eastern, Oct.6; and July 1 in India. One might also say that the Sunday after Pascha which is movable is also a Feast of his.

Evening: Psalm 118:10-11; Gospel John 6:54-58
Morning: Psalm 76:3; Gospel John 20:19-23.
Liturgy: Col. 1:12-23; 1 John 1:1-7; Acts 4:19-32;
Psalm 118:75; Gospel Luke 9:28-35