St. Thomas the Apostle

The traditional feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is on December 21, but because the 21st is the Fourth Sunday in Advent  this year, many transfer the commemoration to Monday, December 22. We tend to associate St. Thomas with the Resurrection since he confessed his faith in the risen Christ on the Sunday after Easter. Nevertheless, it is also fitting to remember Thomas before Christmas since he was a great witness to Christ's Incarnation. After doubting the Resurrection, in St. John 20:28, Thomas affirmed his faith in Jesus the Christ as "my Lord and my God." Thus, Thomas proclaimed the great truth that the man Jesus is divine. As Advent draws toward a close, let us focus on such faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who came to earth as a human babe.

St. Thomas the Apostle- 21 December

The traditional feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is the 21st of December. Because Thomas had doubts about the Resurrection of Jesus (John 20), we often associate St. Thomas with the Easter season, but he is also an appropriate example for contemplating Christ's Incarnation. Despite his initial doubts, Thomas encounters the risen Christ, and he makes a powerful confession of faith. In John 20:28, Thomas affirms his faith that Jesus the Christ is "my Lord and my God."  In other words, Thomas confesses that Jesus is God incarnate. 

So as Advent draws toward a close, let us focus on the truth of the Incarnation proclaimed by Thomas. The holy Child born in Bethlehem is our Lord and God, Immanuel, God the eternal Son and Word, come to us in human flesh. Thanks be to God for Thomas and his faith in Jesus Christ!

Confession of St. Peter- 18 January

In the sixth century, the Gallican (French) church began to observe January 18 as the feast of the Chair of St.Peter. This feast highlighted Peter's apostolic/episcopal authority by focusing on the symbol of the cathedra. In the sixteenth-century Reformation, Anglicans and Lutherans simplified their calendars by reducing holy days, eliminating this one. (Roman Catholics eliminated this feast with Vatican II modifications.) Later, some Anglican and Lutheran calendars re-introduced a commemoration of the Confession of St. Peter on this date.

Certainly, Simon Peter's confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah is an important point in the Gospels. The extended account in Matthew 16: 13-20 points to core affirmations about Jesus and the foundation of the Christian Church. Peter is a leader among the Twelve and his affirmation of faith has remained at the heart of Christianity. Sincere believers still profess and trust that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God. Such faith is the rock on which Christ's Church is built, and the Church will endure till the end of earthly history.

During the twentieth century, ecumenical dialogues among Christian groups designated the week or octave beginning on January 18 as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, This observance was first proposed by an Anglican priest in 1908, and it was later promoted by inter-church groups. The groups associated with ecumenism have had their problems. They have often been weak on theology and basic Christian morality. Nevertheless, praying for better communication and understanding among those who claim to follow Jesus is an admirable cause, So as we contemplate St. Peter's pivotal confession of faith, let us pray for all who sincerely believe in Jesus, and let us pray for the Church's Scriptural mission in a fallen world.

St. Thomas the Apostle- 21 December

It may seem strange that the Feast of the Apostle Thomas occurs so closely before Christmas. The exact reason for the date is buried in ancient Christian history. It may be related to an event such as date of martyrdom, moving of relics, or dedication of a church in his name. Whatever the historical detail, there is also a theological point. Thomas points us to the importance and meaning of Christ's Incarnation, 

Of course, on the Sunday of the Resurrection. Thomas did not see the risen Christ, and he was doubtful. A week later, Thomas did see Jesus when He came to the disciples. Then the doubting apostle made a very strong confession of faith; he affirmed Jesus the Christ as "My Lord and my God" (St. John 20:28).

Thomas is an example that Christ can overcome doubt and use former doubters as faithful witnesses. Thomas is an especially strong witness to the Incarnation when he exclaims that Jesus is Lord and God. As another Advent draws to a close, may we think about these words and their meaning for us. We are not celebrating the birth of just any baby. The Christ Child is unique. Christians share Thomas' affirmation that Jesus is our Lord and God come in human flesh!