July 3, St. Thomas

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.-- Mark 16:15

Mass readings: Ephesians 2:19-22 / John 20:24-29

Faith is a Gift!

Today is the feast of St. Thomas, the apostle associated with doubters. Thomas wasn't present when Jesus made His post-Resurrection appearance in the Upper Room, and in spite of the other disciples' testimony, Thomas remained skeptical, insisting he'd have to see and feel the Lord's nail prints before he believed He'd risen. Jesus didn't disappoint him, later coming through locked doors, not necessarily to scold Thomas for disbelief, but to bless him with increased faith.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church assures us, ''Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by Him'' (No. 153). Just as Thomas received this divinely infused faith, we, too, are invited to be recipients. And it needn't be a one-time thing but an ongoing gift as we pray, ''Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief'' (Mk 9:24).

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of faith. Infuse us with even more.