July 3, 2024

Hello John,

Reflecting on the story of "Doubting Thomas" offers us a chance to reconsider the power of faith and the courage it requires. St. Thomas's journey from doubt to unwavering belief and willingness to face danger alongside Jesus provides a powerful example for all of us.

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With profound gratitude,

Christopher Meyer

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint of the Day for July 3: Thomas

(1st Century – December 21, 72)

Saint Thomas’ Story

Poor Thomas! He made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29).

Thomas should be equally well-known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous—since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown—but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Realizing this, Thomas said to the other apostles, “Let us also go to die with him” (John 11:16b).

Reflection

Thomas shares the lot of Peter the impetuous, James and John, the “sons of thunder,” Philip and his foolish request to see the Father—indeed all the apostles in their weakness and lack of understanding. We must not exaggerate these facts, however, for Christ did not pick worthless men. But their human weakness again points up the fact that holiness is a gift of God, not a human creation; it is given to ordinary men and women with weaknesses; it is God who gradually transforms the weaknesses into the image of Christ, the courageous, trusting, and loving one.

Saint Thomas is the Patron Saint of:

Architects/Builders/Construction Workers/Surveyors
India
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Theologians

Explore this updated Franciscan classic!

Ilia Delio, OSF, shows how the Franciscan way can offer all Christians an intimate and wholehearted approach to prayer. Franciscan Prayer: Awakening to Oneness with God

Learn more!

MINUTE MEDITATIONS

Let Go of the Hurt

We need to be in right relationship with people, so that other people can love us at deeper levels, and so we can love them too. Nothing else opens up the heart space in such a positive and ongoing way.

To keep the heart space open, we need some healing in regard to our carried hurts from the past. This is when we know that the work we need to do is going to take us places we might not want to go. Write about an experience of letting go of a hurt. Then write about a hurt from the past that you still carry. Reflect on the differences and similarities of the two situations.

—from the book Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps
by Richard Rohr

Discover the Franciscan way to approach prayer!

Franciscan Prayer: Awakening to Oneness with God

Learn more!

PAUSE+PRAY

Leading with Humility

Reflect

The values of humility, compassion, and service have guided Franciscan spirituality for centuries. If you are in a leadership position (in your job, family, parish, or community) embracing Franciscan values as leaders means living out these principles in our daily lives, inspiring others through our example and fostering a culture of love, unity, and peace in our communities and workplaces.

Pray

Loving God,
Help us to embrace the timeless values of humility,
compassion,
and service,
striving to live out these principles in
our daily lives and leadership practices.
Guide us so we not only honor the legacy of
St. Francis but also bear witness to the transformative
power of your love and grace in our lives and in the world. Amen.

Act

Offer a prayer for guidance and strength, asking God to help you lead with humility, compassion, and service in all that you do.

Today’s Pause+Pray was written by Paul Lipowski. Learn more here!

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