Vatican City, Sep 26, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Speaking to some 30,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square this morning, Pope Benedict continued his study on the twelve Apostles, speaking of the Apostle Thomas. The Holy Father said that, like Thomas, all Christians should persevere in adhering to the path of the Lord despite the difficulties that will arise.
The Pontiff said "The case of the Apostle Thomas is important for us for at least three reasons: first, because it comforts our insecurities; second, because it shows us that each doubt can achieve an enlightened result beyond any incertitude; and, finally, because the words said to him by Jesus remind us of the true meaning of mature faith and encourage us to follow, despite the difficulties, our path in adhering to Him."
Benedict said the first point the Gospels make about the St. Thomas is “his determination in following the Master." The Pope spoke of the fear the Apostles felt as Jesus made his way to Jerusalem the Apostle's exhortation to his companions to accompany Jesus to Jerusalem, even knowing the dangers involved. This determination "reveals total availability in adhering to Jesus, to the point of identifying one's fate with His...Christian life is defined as a life with Jesus Christ, a life to be lived with Him."
Thomas also intervenes in the Last Supper when he asks Christ, “how do we know the way (Jn 14:5)?” Jesus responds, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". The Holy Father said, "Every time we hear or read these words, we feel that our thoughts side with Thomas and imagine that the Lord speaks to us as He did to him.”
“At the same time,” the Pope continued, “the question also confers us the right, so to speak, to ask Jesus for explanations. This way we express the shallowness of our ability to understand, at the same time we set ourselves in an attitude of trust, like those who await the light and strength from the one able to give this to us".
The day after Easter, is the first time Thomas displays a moment of doubt, the Pope continued. In the well known scene, the Apostle says he is unable to recognize the Risen Jesus until he places his hand in the wound in His side. "In the end, these words demonstrate the conviction that by now Christ is recognized not as much by His face but by His wounds. Thomas believes that the qualifying signs of Jesus are above all, now, the wounds, which reveal to what point He loved us. As to this, the Apostle is correct."