The Feast of St Thomas the Apostle.
"Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
"So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
"But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
"Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
"Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
"Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20: 24 - 29).
Monday July 3rd 2023 in the 13th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Thomas, Apostle and Martyr.
Thomas was a Missionary and died a martyr. Christians remember Thomas as the "doubting Thomas."
What is the error of Thomas?
Thomas refused to believe after he heard from Peter and the other Apostles that Jesus is risen from the dead. He heard the witness of Mary Magdalene who was the first to see the Risen Jesus. Thomas still refused to believe. Against reason, he refused to believe the testimony of faithful, true and credible witnesses.
In the plan of salvation, God wills that we believe the witness of faithful, true and credible persons. Jesus Christ cannot appear to 7 Billion people individually and preach the Good News to each.
There are just a few things in life we can see and touch and prove to our own satisfaction. Vast majority of things we believe because someone we trust tells us so.
We believe our parents, teachers and friends on many things. Some believe whatever their doctor tells them but will not believe their Bishop.
Disbelief, unbelief, unreasonable doubt are crippling mental states. Can you believe that there are folks among us today who deny the Holocaust? Victims of these barbarism are still live among us.
"Satan hates those who, resisting his lies, have remained close to Me, adoring Me in the Sacrament of My love, and consoling My Heart that is so afflicted by the ingratitude of men and their lack of faith in the mystery of love that is My real Eucharistic presence." (IN SINU JESU).
Jesus told Thomas, "Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20: 27).
This command was all that Thomas needed to make him a super believer. Jesus too can command our doubts, fears and worries to disappear. Let us ask Him:
Lord Jesus, command that we no longer be faithless but strong believers in You and Your mission. Say but a word Jesus and our doubts will be gone. Amen.
The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. In July 2021, the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ healed my sick heart. I share the testimony below. Click the link below to read and believe.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-precious-blood-of-jesus-christ.html?m=1
Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com
At First Friday Mass (July 2nd 2021) at my Parish, following Mary's words above, I prayed to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus to heal my sick heart. I repeated the prayer at critical points in the Mass. (Consecration, Elevation of the Sacred Host and Chalice, Communion). 
