Greetings in the Name of our Coming Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:
Today, December 21, 2020 is when the Christian Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle. This post is devoted to one of the Feast Days that the historic Christian Church observed that are generally neglected today. I pray that you find this message beneficial in your devotions this or another day.
“All four Gospels mention Saint Thomas as one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. John’s Gospel, which names him “the Twin,” uses Thomas’s questions to reveal truths about Jesus. It is Thomas who says, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” To this question Jesus replies “I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:5-6).” John’s Gospel also tells how Thomas, on the evening of the day of Jesus’ resurrection, doubts the report of the disciples that they has seen Jesus. Later, “doubting Thomas” becomes “believing Thomas” when he confesses Jesus as “my Lord and my God (John 20:24-29).” According to tradition, Thomas traveled eastward after Pentecost, eventually reaching India, where still today a group of people call themselves “Christians of Saint Thomas.” Thomas was martyred for the faith by being speared to death.” 1
The verse or theme for this feast is “Alleluia. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Alleluia.” It is from John 20:29a.
Old Testament Judges 6:36-40
Psalm Psalm 136:1-4 (antiphon v. 26)
Epistle Ephesians 4:7, 11-16
Gospel John 20:24-29
The hymn appointed for this day is “We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight” as found on page 720 in the Lutheran Service Book. You may listen to the hymn at this direct link: LSB 720 – YouTube
Collect of the Day:
Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of You Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Pastor Jim Tuell
1 Treasury of Daily Prayer, Scot A Kinnaman, General Editor, Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis, MO., 2008, 969.
