Fr. M. Titus Mohan –
Every year on July 3, Christians in India and across the world remember St. Thomas the Apostle. For many, it is not just a date in the liturgical calendar. It is a moment to reflect on a simple yet powerful declaration that changed the course of Christian faith: “My Lord and my God.” These words, spoken by Thomas in the Gospel of John, remain one of the strongest expressions of faith. They were not spoken in a moment of ease, but after doubt, struggle, and a personal encounter with the risen Christ. Because of this, Thomas is remembered not only as the “doubting disciple,” but as the one who moved from doubt to deep and unshakable belief.
A disciple who searched for truth
Thomas, also called Didymus, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. In the Gospels, he appears as a direct and honest person. When Jesus decided to go toward danger in Judea, Thomas said to the others, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” These words show courage and loyalty. Yet Thomas is most remembered for his doubt after the resurrection of Jesus. When the other disciples told him they had seen the risen Lord, he refused to believe without proof. “Unless I see the marks of the nails and put my hand into his side, I will not believe,” he said. His doubt, however, was not rejection. It was a search for truth. And that search was answered when Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to touch his wounds. In that moment, doubt turned into faith. Thomas responded with a confession that still echoes through centuries: “My Lord and my God.”
From doubt to mission
After this encounter, Thomas is no longer presented as doubtful. He becomes a witness. Tradition holds that he travelled far beyond the borders of the Roman world to spread the message of Christ. According to ancient Christian belief, Thomas arrived on the Malabar Coast in 52 A.D., in present-day Kerala. At that time, the region was connected to global trade routes, welcoming people from different cultures and religions. It was here that Thomas is believed to have begun his mission. He preached the message of Jesus with simplicity: hope, forgiveness, and new life. Over time, communities of believers grew. Tradition speaks of seven and a half churches founded by him in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. These communities are considered among the oldest Christian traditions in the world. Later, Thomas is believed to have travelled to the eastern coast of India, where he was martyred around 72 A.D. in present-day Chennai. His tomb is associated with the San Thome Basilica, which remains a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Indian Christian Day: remembering a living heritage
In recent years, July 3 has also been observed as Indian Christian Day. This celebration is not only about remembering a saint from the past. It is about recognizing a living heritage that continues to shape faith and life in India. The Christian presence in India has contributed to education, healthcare, social service, and care for the poor. On this day, communities give thanks for this long journey of faith and service. It is also a moment to pray for unity among Christians of different traditions and to renew a shared commitment to serve society with love and compassion.
The story of St. Thomas is not only history. It speaks to the present. His journey invites reflection on three important challenges faced by believers today. The first is indifference. Faith can become routine, passed on through family tradition but not deeply lived. The story of Thomas calls believers to move beyond habit and rediscover a personal relationship with Christ. The second is division. Christian communities often differ in language, tradition, and practice. While diversity is rich, it can also create distance. Thomas’ life reminds believers that unity in faith is stronger than separation. The third is witness. Faith becomes real when it is lived. Acts of kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and service speak more loudly than words. Thomas shows that belief is not only something to be spoken, but something to be lived.
A faith that still speaks
The journey of Thomas from doubt to faith, from questioning disciple to bold missionary, continues to inspire millions. His story is not about perfect belief from the beginning, but about a faith that grows through encounter. At the heart of his life is a simple truth: faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to meet Christ in the midst of it. When Thomas finally saw the risen Lord, he did not ask for more proof. He gave his life in response.
As Christians mark his feast day, the words remain as relevant as ever: “My Lord and my God.” They are not only the confession of Thomas. They are an invitation for every believer – to recognize, to believe, and to live that faith with courage in today’s world.
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Fr. M. Titus Mohan is based in Milan, Italy