Little is written in the Synoptic Gospels about the life of St. Thomas the Apostle; nevertheless, his distinctive personality is clearer to us than that of some of the other twelve disciples (with the exception of Judas, of course). He is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” a term that has come to be used to describe someone who will stubbornly refuse to believe something without direct, physical and personal evidence (also known as a skeptic).

According to the Gospel of John, Jesus appeared to a group of his disciples after he was resurrected, but Thomas was not in attendance for this special guest star appearance. The lucky disciples excitedly told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he [Thomas] said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.’” Eight days later, Jesus appears before His disciples again (this time Thomas was there). Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’

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