We know that St. Thomas the Apostle was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, and was born a Jew, but other than that not much of his early life is known for certain. The Gospels record that when Jesus told the twelve that he was going to return to visit Lazarus in Judea despite the risk of death, it was Thomas who encouraged the other disciples to go as well. The only other Gospel account of Thomas is of the “doubting Thomas” incident after the Resurrection. After being given the Great Commission with the rest of the apostles, it is believed that Thomas set off to the east and spread the Gospel message in modern-day India, where it is said he was martyred with a spear in the year 72 AD while kneeling in prayer.
CHALLENGE
Jesus famously told St. Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Sixty-nine percent of Catholics believe that the consecrated bread and wine are only symbols of Jesus, not the real presence of Jesus as has been taught by the Church since the beginning. Do you need to see to believe? Today, watch a video about Eucharistic miracles… and believe.
Forwarded this email? Don’t miss tomorrow! Sign up today and get The Saint Challenge delivered to your inbox!
Our #1 best-seller, Letters From the Voyages of St. Frances Cabrini is a collection of 17 of Mother Cabrini’s letters to her missionary sisters, beautifully re-typeset from the original 1945 edition. Combining lessons of faith and wisdom with vivid descriptions of her adventures, it’s sure to be read again and again.
