The Collect -
Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Click here to learn more about Saint Thomas, Apostle.
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Cavaraggio painted a masterpiece of St. Thomas with the Resurrected Jesus. Medieval piety interpreted the wound in Jesus' side as Jesus' invitation to mystical union. Other symbols that medieval religious persons would associate with this story: the temple's veil is torn, the veil that separates us from God is open wide, the sacred heart of God is revealed as a pierced heart of Love. Those themes continued to resonate long after the Middle Ages came to a close. It is in this light that Caravaggio asks us to look at the literal depiction of that scene - the skeptical and literal St.Thomas exploring the unimaginable reality of the Resurrection. In this earthy picture, mystery is revealed.
- The Reverend Dr. Regina Christianson