In the readings for today's liturgy notice the contrast between the two main figures.  In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the sure conviction and commitment of a firebrand in Paul .  The words of St. John depict the slow and deliberate mind of Thomas.  Both men, as we know, were dedicated apostles.  These two readings clearly portray personalities that followed Jesus' mission.

Thomas was a part of the Twelve who had followed the preacher-teacher Jesus in the days of his public ministry.  He had the personal contact with Jesus which Paul did not have until the risen Jesus appear to him on the Damascus Road.  We should notice the fierce commitment of the convert as we listen to Paul preaching the error of the Jewish people.  Paul was a man who wasted no time in acting upon his conversion.  Thomas was clearly no Paul.  He had the mind and heart of a philosopher.  He weighed everything put before him.  He needed the  proof of a good syllogism.  Everything had to be in order for him to make the leap of faith.

Hopefully, as you read the words above, you began to think about yourself.  "Am I a Paul or a Thomas?"  Actually most find that we have in us a little of Paul and a little of Thomas unless we are very much like either one of this apostles.

Our culture and our societal ways today require us to have a goodly sum of each of these apostles as we strive to make our leap of faith every day of our lives.  The many challenges that pop up before us each day demand genuine faith in Jesus Christ.  What we need as our arsenal of replies to the demands are found in the words of Jesus Thomas heard, the same words of Jesus that were passed on to Paul.

 “I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Again, as throughout the Easter season, we hear the words of the Risen Christ used to assure his followers through the ages that he is the one who can bring us to the God who created us.  He is the redeemer who promises us that he will support us in the challenges to our faith.  He gives encouragement to the Paul within our hearts as well as assurance to the Thomas in our souls.