The Feast of St Thomas | Monday 3 July 2023

Today is Monday the 3rd of July, the feast of St Thomas, in the 13th week of Ordinary time.

The Kyiv Chamber Choir sing the Creed: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” As I start this prayer today, can I join in with this strong, almost exuberant expression of faith? Can I begin by declaring my faith in my God, my creator, my heavenly Father?

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Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.


John 20.24-29

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Today we are engaging with the encounter between Thomas and the risen Jesus. Thomas needed to voice his doubt before he could express his belief. What role does doubt play in my faith?

In what ways do I seek proof that Jesus is risen?

Am I able to say with Thomas: ‘My Lord and my God’?

If so, I say it to Jesus now.

As I listen to the passage again, I ponder how Thomas’ encounter with the risen Jesus enhances my faith.

In these closing moments of prayer, I breathe deeply and allow the peace of the risen Jesus to flow through my body, mind and soul.


Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.