Who was St. Thomas?

Known for being one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, St. Thomas is mainly remembered for the times when he was pessimistic and even doubted his own faith. The name of St. Thomas is present in important passages of the Bible, like when Jesus says the famous phrase: "I am the way and the truth; no one comes to the Father except through me.

His best known episode is the moment when he doubted in the resurrection of Jesus and, when the latter returns from the dead, he warns Thomas saying that he only believed because he saw and that "happy are those who believe without seeing". However, after the resurrection, Thomas, or Thomas, became a great preacher of the word of God.

There is also a curiosity about the saint that leaves open the speculation that he may have been a twin and, although never proven, leaves room for interpretation. The fact, however, in no way alters the man's achievements in life and also, of course, after his death, having been the author of a great miracle.

History of São Tomé

The story of Saint Thomas is told in important moments throughout the bible and, except for the reproaches that the apostle received from Jesus, his trajectory is marked by beautiful moments of faith and devotion, being considered the patron saint of the blind and architects.

His legacy precedes him, both in a positive way, for having been a man who honored Jesus until his last moments of life; and also for the fact that he was popularly known for being a skeptic and disputing the powers of Jesus Christ. Read on to learn more about this great saint of the Catholic Church!

The origin of St. Thomas

St. Thomas' name is seen eleven times throughout the bible, and either as Thomas or Thomas. For this reason, he is understood as a twin within the biblical context, being, in fact, two people. This theory is reinforced when, from the Greek, the word twin is δίδυμο (read dydimus), being similar to Dídimo, which is how St. Thomas is known.

Didymus was born in Galilee and there is no evidence about his profession before he was summoned by Jesus as an apprentice, but it is speculated that he was a fisherman. St. Thomas, after Jesus' passage on earth, lived out his days to preach about the apprenticeships, having settled in India.

The Doubt of St. Thomas

The famous episode of doubt is where St. Thomas does not believe the other apostles when they claim to have seen Jesus after his death. In the passage, told in the book of John, Thomas dismisses the vision his companions claim to have seen and states that he wants to see in order to believe.

However, when Jesus appears alive, Thomas says that he always believed that he was going to return. Jesus, omniscient, denies him in front of everyone and says that 'happy are those who believe without seeing'. The passage is important because it shows that 'failure' in faith can happen to everyone, including the saints.

Passages marked by his pessimism

In his appearances in the Bible, Thomas shows himself to be a very pessimistic man, bordering on melancholic, because he always needs to understand things in a profound way in order to believe. His figure in every context is very rich, because it says a lot about how the human being needs intelligible things, even when we talk about the union of flesh and spirit.

At various times, this unbelief of Thomas is seen. In another famous moment, when Jesus says the phrase "I am the way, the truth, and the life," he is answering a question from Thomas about their not knowing the way they should go. This passage can be seen in John 14: 5 and 6).

His Apostolate

After Jesus' return to heaven, the disciples began to preach the Gospel wherever God sent them. And, of course, with Thomas it was no different. After the Pentecost episode, which is the appearance of the Holy Spirit to Mary and the twelve apostles, Thomas was sent to preach to the Persians and the Parthians.

On his greatest journey, Didymus preached in India, which is one of the greatest accomplishments in his history. There he was persecuted because most of the country is Hindu and they did not receive him very well, especially the religious leaders.

Mission and martyrdom in India

In history, St. Thomas was persecuted and killed while preaching the Good News in India. The reluctance of Hindu religious leaders caused the saint to be persecuted and killed by spears. A more than cruel end for the saint.

Although the story had a tragic ending, the Catholics of Malabar have worshipped him for over two thousand years because St. Thomas was a great symbol of strength and faith for the country. His death symbolizes accepting God and loving him, above all things. The Christian community in India is considerably large.

Documented proof

The story of St. Thomas' death has been scientifically proven, as very old documents date the saint's arrival in the country and also attest his 'causa mortis' as being through an ordeal with spears. This document was only discovered in the 16th century, which is a great milestone in the whole biblical context.

Later, the crypt where St. Thomas' body was buried was also found, as well as some clotted blood and pieces of a spear that was proven to be the object that mortally wounded him. This is a valuable part of the legacy that the great saint left in India.

Symbolism in the image of St. Thomas

Like most saints, St. Thomas is recognized by several elements that make up both the saint's image and his story. Didymus is known for his brown cloak, the book he carries in his hands, the single red one, and, of course, the spear that tells a lot about the story of this great saint.

His figure carries symbols that refer to his personality, to his way of promoting evangelization, to his life and, of course, to his death for the cause he believed in and defended until the last moment of his earthly journey. Check out the main elements that make up the holy identity of St. Thomas and what they mean!

The brown cloak of St. Thomas

During his life, St. Thomas wore a brown robe, without any luxury, to walk his life in pilgrimage and spreading the word of the Gospel. Being a holy man, this was a very positive attitude, as it shows how humble he was, and honoring for being one of the twelve men Jesus left to spread his word throughout the world.

This humility is praised at various times, because being known by the doubting man, he fully redeemed himself and bravely took up the space of the holy man that, after having his faith tested, he showed himself to be.

The book in St. Thomas' right hand

Symbolizing the life mission of the great saint, the book in St. Thomas' right hand is the Gospel, which he dedicated his last years to teaching, even in the most inhospitable places. Consecrated by God, the Good News in his hands is a symbol that he did not surrender at any time and that he took the word of God where he had to take it.

The sacrifice of St. Thomas is one of his great legacies, especially because he died in the name of God and of the evangelization of those who wanted to know more about the words of the Gospel. Several saints have been killed in brutal ways, but not always on missions as important and sensitive as that of Didymus.

The red tunic of St. Thomas

St. Thomas' red tunic has two meanings: the first is his suffering during his pilgrimage in India, his persecution and death by Hindu religious leaders. The second interpretation given for the tunic, is that it represents the blood of Christ and its public shedding during his crucifixion.

Their relationship, linked to the symbolism of the tunic, is very close and tenuous, since it speaks about not denying God, even if the act was paid with one's life. Jesus did not deny his Father during his crucifixion and death, as did St. Thomas, who denied neither God nor Jesus, who taught him to be a man of faith.

The Spear of St. Thomas

The spear that is present in the left hand of the image of St. Thomas is a symbol of his death. After his relentless persecution in India, he was caught and as a last chance, they said he could deny God and stay alive. However, after disbelieving the word of Jesus at various times, St. Thomas was killed by spears in the name of faith.

Even in his crypt, fragments of the spear that was used in his death were found, still with fabrics that, according to historians, is part of the clothes he wore on the day of his execution. The object is understood as a symbol of the saint's strength and, even if it was used against him, it makes him a hero, especially in India, which has St. Thomas as a great saint.

St. Thomas in the New Testament

The New Testament is a collection of books that make up an additional part of the bible and, because it was added later, it receives this name. These 'loose' books are called apocrypha and, even with the addition, some books were left out, which makes us curious about which stories weren't told.

In these passages, the trials of Jesus are told, some of his most famous miracles, Christ's relationship with his disciples and how they were chosen, as well as about all the pilgrimage, persecution and death for defending the spread of the Gospel. Check out the passages in which he appears and what his participation is in this series of sacred events!

Matthew 10; 03

In the passage quoted, Thomas' name is first mentioned, but the book of Matthew talks about how Jesus directed his disciples to follow in his footsteps. In an act of trust, the Son of God granted them the power of healing to deal with the many sick who lived there. It was for them, all twelve named, to go to work for it.

The passage also mentions Judas Iscariot and already calls him a traitor, because, in the whole biblical context, it is known that he was the one who delivered Jesus to Pontius Pilate, Christ's executioner. Like the other eleven, including Thomas, he also had the mission of healing the sick and spreading the Gospel all over the place.

Mark 03; 18

The passage announces Jesus' choice of the twelve men, including Thomas, who would carry on his legacy after he was no longer living on earth and, unlike what many may think, it does not make it clear for what reasons the men were chosen. Jesus Christ had his clear motives, for sure, but this is not made clear in the passage quoted.

The 3rd book of Mark also talks about the Sabbath, which is very emblematic within the Christian community, since the 'Holy Day' for some is on Saturday and for others it is on Sunday. In this passage, Jesus questions whether it is permitted to save someone or kill on the Sabbath. And, after getting no answer, he heals a sick man. Affirming that good is always permitted to be done.

Luke 06; 15

In St. Luke's chapter 6, St. Thomas is quoted at the time when Jesus is still with his men on pilgrimage through the Holy Land. What is understood is that, Jesus was teaching them by example and very productive conversations about being a good man and how the world should be treated.

In one of the most important passages, the question of the Sabbath being sacred is discussed once again and, in the words of the apostles themselves, 'Jesus is the son of God even on the Sabbaths', endorsing the fact that good needs to be done every day, regardless of the day of the week.

John 11; 16

The passage in chapter 11 of the book of John talks about Jesus resurrecting Lazarus, who had been dead for four days when the group arrived at the place. However, as it is known, even after the body had already started to decompose, Jesus brings him back to life, proving to everyone, once again, to be the son of God.

St. Thomas stands out for speaking to the other disciples that, like Lazarus, those who followed him would also end up dead. St. Thomas' speeches are not understood as heresy, but rather as insecurity and even failures of faith, but they were fundamental in building the image of the saint that everyone knows today.

When he contests these deeds which at first seem impossible, Didymus is just a man trying to understand and rationalize his own faith and self-knowledge, because everything there is new and lucid. There was no world with Jesus until then, so his strangeness is justifiable.

John 14; 05

In this passage, Jesus is walking with his men to continue the pilgrimage they had been making. Apparently, they did not know very well where they were going, and Jesus, being the son of God, was aware and knew absolutely everything. This was one of the most famous moments between Jesus and Thomas.

Thomas, worried whether they would arrive safely, challenged the fact that they did not know the way, and Jesus replied that he was the way of life and truth and that no one would reach the Father without going through him. St. Thomas, embarrassed, just remained silent.

John 20; 24, 26, 27, 28

Chapter 20 of John talks about the resurrection of Jesus and how the apostles dealt with His return to the world of the living. Although I was amazed that their Master had indeed returned to continue the mission they had all started, the fact was still new and very unusual.

Thomas, as expected, did not believe and could only really understand that it was real when he saw Jesus. This passage is the origin of Jesus' famous phrase: "Blessed are those who believe without having seen". At the time, Thomas is summoned by Jesus, who invites him to put his finger on his wounds and see his injuries, so that he understands that they are real.

This can be understood as St. Thomas' great moment of redemption, because even though his behavior may have been immature and even skeptical of Jesus, the Son of God understands that this did not make him any less deserving of being one of his pupils and yet he was to be embraced and understood as one of God's great messengers.

John 21; 20

This passage is interesting because it shows a different interaction of the disciples with Jesus. He warns his men that he is going fishing and, shortly after, he appears as someone else. At this moment, Jesus tests the kindness of his pupils when, with another identity, he claims to be hungry and asks for some food. And they, almost in unison, say "no".

Shortly after, the men, who were near a river to fish, do not get any fish, as a divine punishment for the act they had just committed. Peter realizes that the other person is actually Jesus in another form and tries to repair the mistake they had committed. Soon after they redeemed themselves, the fishing was plentiful, with several fish, which fed them all.

Acts 01; 13

The first chapter of the book of the 'Acts of the Apostles' talks about what happened right after Jesus' ascension, alive, into heaven. It is a very special moment in the lives of the eleven men who had the honor of living with the very son of God. Thomas, even after having his faith challenged at various times, is among the men of God's trust.

After Jesus' ascent, the Holy Spirit himself visits them in a memorable scene where the directions that each of the men must take to continue the mission of spreading the word of God to the rest of the world are determined. And, as is well known, Thomas was sent on a mission to various parts, including India, which is his final destination.

Here it is worth saying that Judas Iscariot, traitor of Jesus, after repenting of handing him over to his inquisitors, hangs himself, overcome by repentance, so that in the great celebration only the other eleven apostles were present.

Devotion to Saint Thomas

St. Thomas, for sure, is one of the greatest symbols within Christianity of the renewal of faith, because he went from the space of a questioning and skeptical man to the pantheon of men who died for the sake of their faith and their religious convictions.

His legacy is even greater in India, the country where the holy man lived his last years of life on pilgrimage. Check out the main deeds and miracles in the life of this holy man who was St. Thomas!

Miracle of St. Thomas

St. Thomas' death took place in Kerala, India, as did his burial. The town has a church, which Ididymus used to give his sermons to the faithful. After his death, the church was the place chosen to keep his remains, as well as documents proving his death, such as the 'death certificate' and the spear that struck him to death.

The city is on the coast and, in one of his sermons, a believer was concerned about the location of the church, which is relatively close to the coast. With great conviction, St. Thomas said that the waters of the sea would never reach there. He stated this in the form of a prophecy.

The story was lost over time until, in 2004, a tsunami hit the Kerala region, killing hundreds of people and devastating the entire region, which was severely ravaged. However, to everyone's surprise, the church remained intact, with all its belongings untouched. This event was immediately recognized as one of the miracles of St. Thomas.

The day of St. Thomas

The day of St. Thomas has a curiosity, since, after centuries, it was relocated to another date. Originally, the day of the great saint was celebrated on December 21 throughout the world. However, in the year 1925, the Catholic Church decided to transfer the date to July 3.

In the year in question, the beatification of Saint Peter Canisius took place and, as his death is dated, being on December 21, the diocese decided to transfer the day to the new saint, respecting his date of death. There is no proof of why it was on July 3, but, since then, the day of Saint Thomas is celebrated on this date.

Prayer of St. Thomas

The saint was understood, years later, as the patron saint of the blind, masons and architects, and on the day of these professions, he is understood as a symbol and his prayer is usually chanted to ask for their protection, health and life. Check out the prayer in full:

"O Apostle St. Thomas, you experienced the desire to want to die with Jesus, you felt the difficulty of not knowing the Way, and you lived in uncertainty and in the obscurity of doubt on Easter Day. In the joy of meeting the Risen Jesus, in the commotion of faith rediscovered, in an impetus of tender love, you exclaimed:

"My Lord and my God!" The Holy Spirit, on the day of Pentecost, transformed you into a courageous missionary of Christ, a tireless pilgrim of the world, to the ends of the earth. Protect your Church, me and my family, and make everyone find the Way, the Peace and the Joy to proclaim, with passion and openly, that Christ is the only Savior of the World, yesterday, today and forever. Amen."

Is it true that St. Thomas was the apostle who had no faith?

St. Thomas is a religious and historical figure of many nuances, because his construction as a person and as a holy man is notorious within every context in which he appears inserted. Known as the man who doubted, he proved to be a man of faith, despite momentary skepticism.

To analyze the figure of St. Thomas and what it represents is to observe a little of the mortality and skepticism that dwells in us. The apostles, before being understood and recognized as holy men, were ordinary people, with fears, faults and insecurities.

It is also valid to say that St. Thomas is a symbol that people do not need to be completely sure to believe in something that is not yet completely understandable to them. You can question and this will not make you less of a believer, it will only make you have a deeper faith, because you understand in a deeper way what it is, not just accept it.