He was a disciple who searched for the truth, found it difficult to accept or understand at first, but in the end triumphantly believed. St. John"s Gospel tells us that Jesus told his disciples: "I go to prepare a place for you. And I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." At this Thomas, puzzled, but bold enough to ask his Lord to explain, said "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus replied, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no-one comes to the Father but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. Henceforth you know him and have seen him."
Thomas was not with the other ten apostles when Jesus first appeared to them after his death. He refused to take their word that Jesus was alive. "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in their mark and place my hand in his size, I will not believe," Thomas declared.
Eight days later Jesus appeared again to the apostles. Thomas was there. He touched Jesus"s hands and side, and cried, "My Lord and my God." Jesus observed, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed."
It is certainly possible that Thomas reached India as a missionary. Indian Christians often call themselves "Christians of St. Thomas", and an ancient sixth-century cross which speaks of him in an inscription lies in the church of Mylapore near Madras, where he is said to have been buried.
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