Saint Thomas, Apostle

July 3 – St. Thomas, Apostle – (LBW December 21) –

St. Thomas was a Jew, called to be one of the twelve Apostles. St. Thomas is best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of his Master. Thomas’ unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday merited for him the title of “doubting Thomas.” Eight days later, on Christ’s second apparition, Thomas was gently rebuked for his skepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded – seeing in Christ’s hands the point of the nails and putting his fingers in the place of the nails and his hand into his side. At this, St. Thomas became convinced of the truth of the Resurrection and exclaimed: “My Lord and my God,” thus making a public profession of faith in the Divinity of Jesus. December 21 is also observed by some in honor of St. Thomas.

~Symbols: the twin, placing his finger in the side of Christ, axe, spear (means of martyrdom), square (his profession, a builder)