Thomas the Apostle is a source of comfort. Like us, he saw as in a glass darkly. We too are aware of our limited vision as we go our pilgrim way. At times we feel as if totally in the dark. Cardinal Newman voices the fear that we share with Thomas.
"Lead kindly Light, amid the en-
circling gloom.
Lead thou me on.
But, amid all shadows, Thomas never ceased to quest for the shining light of truth.
We get the impact of heroic generosity at our first meeting with him. The more prudent followers thought it much too dangerous for the Master to return to Bethany even to comfort Martha and Mary after the death of Lazarus. Thomas felt that, in such a crisis, prudence might not be the supreme virtue.
Let us all go with Him so that we may die with Him The Bethany event must have stayed with him forever. . . . I am the resurrection and the life.
echoed in mind and heart until his final moment.
The profound teaching of the upper room went beyond the grasp of the eager disciple. "Lord we do not know where you are going. So, how can we know the way?' Slowly he was to realise that the only answer to the question would be found in the life, death and resurrection of the Master. The reply given to Thomas provides a sure foundation for our life long prayer. ".
I am the way, the truth, and the life." Thomas a Kempis, who shared the problems of Thomas, gives us the classic comment: " . . . Without the way there is no going. Without the truth there is no knowing. Without the life there is no living . . ."
For us, who still journey by faith, it helps to reflect on the difficulties of Thomas. He could not too easily accept the exuberant good tidings of his fellow disciples when they told him the glad news that would be the foundation of his life long mission. He did not come to Easter faith too readily. His plea of "Unless I see! Unless I touch!" can still echo in our ears and give comfort to our slowness, and vigour to our faith.
His cry came not from arrogance nor from want of love. Jesus reached out to him and lovingly went to meet the generous disciple amid the confusion of his doubts. The superb act of faith has echoed across the globe and down the centuries. His acclamation, "My Lord and my God!", has expressed the essence of belief for millions of Christ's followers. A saintly namesake (first among theologians), Thomas Aquinas, enshrines that cry of faith in one of his most cherished songs of praise:
. . . Thy wounds as Thomas son I do not see;
Yet thee confess my Lord and God to be,
Make me believe thee ever more and more.
In thee my hope, in thee my live to store . . .
May doubting Thomas be a guide for us on our journey from darkness into fullness of light.