Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle

Doubting, by John Granville Gregory (born 1967), 2010, © John Granville Gregory

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 3 July 2023
John 20:24-29

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, 'We have seen the Lord', he answered, 'Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.' Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. 'Peace be with you' he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.' Thomas replied, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him:

'You believe because you can see me.

Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.'

Reflection on the contemporary art painting

Saint Thomas has been unfairly tarnished with the name of 'doubting Thomas', when in fact he is like you and me, more of a 'seeking Thomas'…seeking answers all his life to thousands of questions.

Look at the other disciples: Peter denied Jesus three times, but we don't call him Peter the denier; James and John wanted to sit next to Christ at the table, we don't call them the 'opportunists'; at the cross most disciples were nowhere to be seen, but we don't call the 'abandoners'... So Thomas did get his name of 'doubting Thomas' rather unfairly. In fact, Jesus didn't tell Thomas off when they met… he simply showed the scars on his body… Jesus understood Thomas's doubts. Jesus also understands us when we have doubts. Faith is not easy, and having doubts at times is good, as it helps us to delve deeper and deeper into the mystery of our faith.

Our modern painting by John Granville Gregory is based on Caravaggio's composition of the same theme. Using a contemporary painting for today's reading enables us to see the topic of doubt in a contemporary context. The incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio and our contemporary version here show how doubt has been there always, from the first apostles to modern day people.

Like Thomas, we can struggle to identify fully with those whose faith seems so much more assured than ours. A simple prayer such as 'Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief' may find a ready place in our heart.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-20-24-29-2023/