Catechesis of Benedict XVI on St. thomas

Thomas' Example Helps Us With Our Doubts, Says Pope

Discusses the Apostle at General Audience

VATICAN CITY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 (ZENIT.org).-

		St. Thomas

Benedict XVI, citing the example of the Apostle Thomas, recommended that believers in times of uncertainty have the courage to tell God they don't understand him and need his help.

"In this way, with such frankness, which is the authentic way to pray, to converse with Jesus, we express the littleness of our capacity to understand, but at the same time we assume the attitude of trust of one who expects light and strength from the one able to give them," the Pope said.

The Holy Father made that point today in his address at the general audience, in which he focused on the figure of the apostle best-known for his doubts after Jesus' resurrection.

Benedict XVI was continuing his series of catecheses on the Twelve Apostles and the origins of the Church.

The Bishop of Rome recalled the passages in which the Gospels speak of the Apostle Thomas, known as "the Twin."

In particular, the Pope mentioned the Last Supper, when Jesus announced that after his departure he would prepare a place so that the disciples could also be with him, and he specified: "And you know the way where I am going."

Then, Thomas intervened, saying: "Lord we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"

Jesus answered him: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."

"Every time we hear or read these words," the Holy Father told the 30,000 people gathered for the audience, "we can be in thought next to Thomas and imagine that the Lord also speaks with us as he spoke with him."

At the same time, "his question also gives us the right, so to speak, to ask Jesus for explanations," said Benedict XVI. "We often do not understand him. We must have the courage to say to him: 'I do not understand you, Lord, hear me, help me to understand.'"

3 lessons

The Holy Father also recalled the scene of Thomas' incredulity, which took place after the Resurrection. That is when the apostle said: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the apostles, and on this occasion, as Thomas was present, the Lord addresses him directly with these words: "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing."

"Thomas reacts with the most splendid profession of faith of the New Testament," said the Holy Father, "'My Lord and my God!'"

"Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe," Jesus answered him.

This response, the Pope said, enunciates "a fundamental principle for Christians who will come after Thomas, that is, for all of us."

Benedict XVI concluded by highlighting three lessons that Thomas' figure presents to Christians.

First, "because it consoles us in our insecurities; second, because it shows us that every doubt can have a luminous end beyond any uncertainty; and, finally, because the words that Jesus addresses to him remind us of the authentic meaning of mature faith and encourages us to continue, despite the difficulties, on the path of fidelity to him."

After recalling that, according to tradition, Thomas evangelized Syria, Persia and part of India, the Holy Father expressed the hope that "Thomas' example will increasingly confirm our faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God."

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