Apostle Thomas

by Fr. Dmitri, New Zealand

Saturday 1 May 2010 (23 Paremoude; 23 Baramoda)
Christ is Risen!

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

Great is your honor, O my Master Prince George,
for Christ rejoices with you.
(Doxology of St. George)

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

Jesus did not say: "I am showing you the way." He
said "I am the way."
(Jesus Dialogue)

God has given the repentant a new heart from which flows
new strong blood, filled with love for God.
(Pope Shenouda III)

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)

When the tongue is silenced, the heart speaks, and when the
heart is stilled, God would speak.
(Jesus Prayer)

The sins I have committed do not remember my Lord, and
do not count my iniquities.
(The Holy Psalmody)

Blessed are all those who put their Trust in Him.
(Psa. 2:12)

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 died 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. There is also a Mar Thoma Church in the USA and a Parish recently established in Auckland, New Zealand.

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.

To Thee be glory and praise; now and ever, unto Ages of Ages.

AMEN!

Today's Readings:

Evening: Psalm 129:1-2; Luke 11:17-23.
Morning: Psalm 146:10; John 7:31-36.
Liturgy: Ephes. 1:1-14; 1 John 4:15-5:1; Acts 9:36-43;
Psalm 15:4; Gospel John 7:14-24.