Daily Scripture, July 3, 2025
Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:19-22
John 20:24-29
Reflection:
The story of Thomas challenges us to appreciate the actual value of community life and the reality that being a Christian has both a private and social dimension – both are vital.
In fact, Thomas’s experience serves us very well in this present age – an age that is overly dependent on scientific methods and empirical proof.
Retracing his story, we can see that when Thomas is absent and away from the community, he struggles with accepting personal testimony and witness, despite this being reinforced by the commonality of the experience of the other disciples.
He falls back on a need for empirical proof – ‘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.”
Yet, a week later, when he was with the disciples, he shared in a common experience of faith. Jesus is with the community, and Thomas shares in this moment.
Now we see that Thomas does not need proofs; in fact, he neither asks for them nor needs to accept them, even when Jesus offers.
Today, let us be thankful for the witness, companionship, prayer and support of those around us. The experience of the community can reinforce, strengthen and enlighten our faith journey, and we, in turn, support others in and through our witness.
Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.
Scripture: Revelation 21:9b-14 John 1:45-51 Reflection: Jesus liked Nathanael! "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" John 1:48 I remember Bishop May of St Louis when he » Continue Reading.
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: Judges 11:29-39a Matthew 22:1-14 Reflection: I apologize for not writing about today’s readings – I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like » Continue Reading.
Memorial of St. Pius X Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8 Matthew 20:1-16 Reflection: As we approach the Labor Day celebration for 2013, we do so, mindful of the important role labor » Continue Reading.
Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Scripture: Judges 6:11-24a Matthew 19:23-30 Reflection: "Who, me? I can’t do what you ask because I’m a nobody. I’m just » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Judges 6:11-24a Matthew 19:23-30 Reflection: "Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?" Matthew 19:16 The readings for today’s Mass contrast expectations and experience. The first reading » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 Hebrews 12:1-4 Luke 12:49-53 Reflection: In Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 12:49-53), Jesus says some words that have always been challenging to me, but at this moment » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Joshua 24:14-29 Matthew 19:13-15 Reflection: It is in keeping this over-riding theme in mind that the first reading today is then a bit easier to understand. God’s faithfulness should » Continue Reading.
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scripture: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Luke 1:39-56 Reflection: These readings may take on a little more significance » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27 Reflection: Last year at this time, we celebrated 25 years of consecrated life of three Religious Indigenous Women: Sr. Fabiana Arcos , Sr. Micaela Lopez and » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 John 12:24-26 Reflection: The over-riding mentality of scarcity and competition in our society is troubling. As a nation, as companies, and too often as individuals, we » Continue Reading.