“Luther’s suspicion of works-righteousness leads him to reject the tradition that Thomas touched Jesus. For, if Thomas had touched Jesus, he would then have achieved faith by works. Luther remarks that the text says only that Jesus offered his wounds, but the display of his wounds to the disciples and especially to Thomas is meant to show them (and us) that salvation comes through his works alone, not theirs or ours. But not even Luther could turn the tide of tradition: visual representations of this episode continue along their same trajectory, with Thomas touching or reaching to touch the open wound.” Charles Stang
Interesting. Go back and read the text. The Bible never says that Thomas took up Jesus offer and touched the wounds – he saw and believed. We pick on Thomas a lot and that’s to bad. This was a man whose down to earth statements have brought some of the best words of Jesus. Thomas statement, “we don’t know where you are going how we can know the way” was answered – “I am the way, the truth and the life”. Thomas doubts, or pragmatic outlook gave us some great gifts.
Thank you for the wonderful message on St. Thomas and the great gifts we received from our Lord saying ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’.
I am reminded and thank our Savior that this disciple of Jesus came to India to proclaim the Good News and was martyred.