The 3rd July marks the liturgical celebration of the figure of Saint Thomas. Familiar above all for his incredulity on hearing the news of the resurrection of Jesus, Saint Thomas is, in actual fact, much more than a tepid apostle. Practical and attentive, Thomas wanted to be sure of fully understanding the meaning of his Master's words, which were often so new and difficult. The New Testament does not tell us anything about this Apostle after the Ascension, but it is believed that he departed to spread the Gospel in the East, reaching as far as southern India.
Therefore Thomas is an important figure for missionaries in a foreign land, who often find themselves spreading the message of Christ in contexts that are a long way from their land of origin, and very different. Missionaries have a task that calls for astute, intelligent operation, necessitating skills in comprehension and translation, in order to help people to genuinely approach Christ. To achieve this, missionaries have to be totally clear about the essential, irrevocable points of their message, so that they can transmit it in an intelligible way to those with whom they share their lives in the land of their mission. This message should inspire people's intelligence and soul, and not their credulity and superstition, because Jesus brings a message that can be understood by all when there is a real desire to bring him into one's life.