3 Jul
Mon
St Thomas, Apostle
Eph. 2:19-22
Ps. 117(116):1,2
Jn. 20:24-29
(Ps Wk I)
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We are often hard on Saint Thomas, calling him "doubting Thomas". In reality, however, we are indebted to Thomas for adding important elements to our faith, as clearly revealed in Saint John's Gospel. The Nicene Creed which we recite at Mass is long and very theological, requiring a great deal of knowledge to understand it fully. Throughout the New Testament there are a number of Creeds, all of them short and lucid. Among them is Thomas' declaration of faith, his creed: "My Lord and my God." In some countries, this is the favourite acclamation after the consecration at Mass. It can always serve as an aspiration or short prayer.

We owe another debt to Thomas, for it was in response to him that Jesus gave us the Great Beatitude: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" - a beatitude developed further by Saint Peter in his First Letter.

When Jesus wished to return to Bethany at the death of Lazarus, Thomas declared "Let us go, too, and die with him. That sounds a bit cynical perhaps, but it possibly indicates that Thomas suddenly realized what "carrying your cross" really meant.



Lord Jesus, grant that our faith may be as deep as that of Saint Thomas so that we may always acclaim you as "My Lord and my God."


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That our brothers and sisters who have strayed from the faith, through our prayer and witness to the Gospel, may rediscover the merciful closeness of the Lord and the beauty of the Christian life.
Elaboration

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