Daily Readings for July 3, 2015

Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle

1ST READING

As we remember St. Thomas the Apostle, let us reflect on the fact that we cannot leave the work of the Church only to a few individuals, no matter how blessed or talented they may be. The commission to spread the Gospel is rooted in our baptism — something we all have received. The mystery of how the grace of God works differently in each individual is something we have to respect. Thus, we need to work with one another, so that our gifts are shared in the service of the Church’s mission.

Ephesians 2:19-22

19 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. 21 Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

P S A L M

Psalm 117:1, 2

R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness for us, and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever. (R)

GOSPEL

Thomas takes a while to accept the resurrection of Jesus. Can we blame him? None of us have responded to the Gospel in a perfect way. We have had our doubts at one point or another. What matters is that Thomas believed and continued to follow God’s will for his life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!

John 20:24-29

24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail-marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

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