July 3, 2026 // Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 20:24–29

Reflect on the Word // 

One of the most painful experiences for the human heart is to feel left behind in one’s sorrow. 

There have been seasons of my life in which it seemed that everyone around me was being blessed in ways I had long desired. I wanted those joys for them; I just also wanted them for myself.

In these moments, my temptation was to believe that God had forgotten me. That He had found others more worthy of His time, attention, and blessing. But God never forgets us, not for a moment. 

And Saint Thomas the Apostle holds the most moving proof. Today’s Gospel places us in the Upper Room with the Apostles after Jesus’ Resurrection. The Apostles were in deep pain, confusion, and fear. Then, the Risen Jesus appeared to them and they rejoiced! 

Except Thomas. Because he wasn’t there during that time.

Thomas, who was undergoing the same trauma and guilt as the others, was the one Apostle who was not present at the Lord’s first appearance. At the news of Christ’s Resurrection, Thomas may have felt forgotten and left behind. All he wanted was Jesus. And everyone else seemed to get Him—but not Thomas.

I can relate to the possible spiraling of Thomas’s heart and mind. Why would Jesus do this? Am I not important to Him? Am I disposable in this mission? Did He not want to see me?

Then, we receive Jesus’ response. Thomas was far from forgotten, far from disposable.  Jesus, in fact, wanted something even more special and more intimate for him. When He appears again, Jesus invites Thomas to place his hands in the very wounds that would heal his wounded heart. 

What Thomas most desired was to be close to the Risen Jesus. Thomas received what he most desired—it just looked different than what he thought. It was an even grander expression of love. If we desire this closeness to the Lord, should we not expect the same merciful love as well? 

Saint Thomas shows us that we are never left behind, never inconsequential, and never unimportant to the Lord. On the contrary, He chooses us to come even closer, every single day.

Relate to the Lord // Is there a wound that’s been coming up lately? Show it to Jesus. Tell Him about it.