The Audacity of Faith: Saint Thomas and the Journey of Belief

Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle: A Reflection on Faith

On this feast day, we remember Saint Thomas, the Apostle, and his journey from doubt to faith. The readings remind us that we are no longer outsiders but part of God’s family, built on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone holding us all together.

The first reading from Ephesians 2:19-22 speaks of us being united as a spiritual temple where God’s Spirit dwells and grows. This calls us to recognize our place in the faith community, deeply connected to God and one another.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 117:1bc, 2) invites all nations to praise God and share the Good News, celebrating His everlasting kindness and faithfulness.

The Alleluia (John 20:29) prepares us for the Gospel, highlighting Jesus’ words to Thomas.

The Gospel (John 20:24-29) shows Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas,” who needed to see and touch Jesus’ wounds to believe. When Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to do so, Thomas responded with a heartfelt confession: “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus then blesses all who believe without seeing, a message that encourages us to trust in God’s presence even when it’s unseen.

Apostle Thomas’ Bold Doubt: A Reflection for LGBTQ+ Catholics

By Phoebe Carstens, April 27, 2025

Apostle Thomas is often remembered for his doubt, but his insistence on seeing Jesus for himself reveals a boldness that many LGBTQ+ Catholics find inspiring. This audacity to seek personal encounter with God resonates deeply with those who navigate faith amid exclusion and uncertainty.

Believing without seeing is a courageous act, and Jesus calls those who do so “blessed.” Many queer Catholics hold onto hope for a fully welcoming Church, even when they have yet to experience it firsthand. They believe in God’s love and mercy despite the challenges and sometimes hidden welcome in their communities.

Thomas’ request to see and touch Jesus’ wounds can be seen not as doubt but as a heartfelt prayer — a desire for a real, tangible encounter with God. Similarly, many LGBTQ+ believers seek to experience God personally, beyond exclusion or silence.

The good news is that Jesus answers Thomas’ prayer, appearing to him and inviting him to believe. Likewise, God meets LGBTQ+ Catholics in their lives, communities, and hopes, responding to their bold faith with presence and love.

We are truly blessed when we believe without seeing, and also when we have the courage to ask God to reveal God’s presence clearly in our lives.