THOMAS - KNOWN AS THE "DOUBTING" APOSTLE

             THOMAS - KNOWN AS THE "DOUBTING" APOSTLE

                                BY

                         HARRIET SHIKOSKI

To my readers;

     Many details included in this story of Thomas originated in the visions of Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerick 91774-1824).  She was a German Augustinian nun who was told in vision that she was privileged to receive more visions than had any other person in history.  Her visions were recorded by Clemens Brentano, arranged and edited by the Very Reverend Carl E. Schmoger, C.SS.R. and translated from German into English.  In my turn I have also picked and arranged the material.

     How true are the details acquired in this fashion?  Even conceding that the private revelations to Sr. Anne Catherine were accurate portrayals, it would be a miracle indeed if they retained such accuracy after passing through so many human minds.  Bible references are included, not to prove the truth of what is written here, but to help you compare the two sources.

     Though the total accuracy may be questioned, I still believe that the following story of St. Thomas captures his true character and helps us to understand the man who was selected by God to testify to His Resurrection.

             THOMAS - KNOWN AS THE "DOUBTING" APOSTLE

     The Apostle Thomas was a native of Apheca, a city of the Galilean Country on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  Physically he was short and stocky with reddish brown or auburn hair.  The name "Thomas" means "twin" but any twin of the Apostle is unknown. (John 20:24)

     Because Apheca was near the Mediterranean Port of Ptolemais and the caravan route that connected to that port, much trading was engaged in and around that area.  Thomas became a trader, a merchant dealing in buying and selling.  He was acquainted with Bartholomew and Issachar through business deals.  Bartholomew, who was a writer, lived in Debbeseth not far from Ptolemais.

     John the Baptist had come out of the wilderness preaching repentance.  Five disciples from Apheca, who had long been with John, had begun to follow Jesus.  Thomas himself had been to the place of baptism and had received John's baptism, but had not become acquainted with Jesus.

     Jesus with some disciples came to the middle place of baptism, that one above Bethabara and opposite Gilgal.  Here He permitted Andrew, Saturnin, Peter and James to baptize.  Immense crowds were coming and going, causing fresh excitement among the Pharisees.  They dispatched letters to the Elders of all the synagogues throughout the country, directing them to deliver Jesus wherever He might be found, to take the disciples into custody, to inquire into their teachings, and to inflict punishment upon them.  But Jesus, accompanied by only a few disciples, left the place of baptism, and journeyed through Samaria and Galilee to the area of Tyre.  The rest of His disciples separated and returned to their homes.

    
While Jesus with a few of His disciples were crossing the Valley of Esdrelon on their way through Samaria, Bartholomew passed through.  He was returning home to Debbeseth from the baptism of John.  He met and began to talk with some of Jesus' disciples.  As Andrew spoke to him very enthusiastically of the Lord, he listened with delight and reverence.  Andrew, whose joy it was to add intelligent men to the number of Jesus' disciples, later pointed Bartholomew out to Jesus.  Soon after this encounter with Andrew, Bartholomew met Thomas and spoke to him about Jesus, imparting to him the enthusiasm Andrew had for Jesus.

     Jesus had to endure great privations on this hurried journey.  Saturnin had charge of a basket of bread, and Jesus had to soak the hard crust in water before He could eat it.

     Jesus put up at an inn in Tyre.  Peter, Andrew, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Nathanael Chased and all the disciples that had been with Him at the marriage feast in Cana, had followed.  They traveled in separate bands and met Jesus in the Jewish meeting house.

     It was touching to see Jesus saluting the disciples on their arrival.  He passed among them giving His hands to first one, then to another.  They were full of respectful confidence, for they regarded Him as an extraordinary, superior Being.

     Issachar, a man well known to and liked by Thomas because of his commercial pursuits, was a wealthy man of about fifty who was suffering from dropsy.  He had espoused a young woman named Salome aged twenty-five.  This union was in accordance with the Jewish legal prescriptions and analogous to that of Ruth and Boaz; (Ruth 4:13-17) it gave Salome the right in inherit Issachar's property.  The evil tongues of the city, especially those of the Pharisees, found great fault with this marriage, which at once became the general talk.  But Issachar and Salome put their trust in Jesus, for at His last visit to this part of the country, they had recommended their affairs to Him.   Salome was the widow of Issachar's brother, Issachar himself being the widower of Salome's sister.  The house and all the property were to revert to Salome, for neither she nor Issachar had had children by their previous unions.  They were childless and the only descendants of an illustrious family.  They had espoused each other trusting to the healing power of Jesus.

     Upon His entrance into the house, Jesus was met by Salome who cast herself at Jesus' feet and begged her husband's cure.  Jesus went with her into the chamber of the sick man who was on his couch and covered.  He was dropsical as well as paralyzed on one side.  Jesus touched the sufferer and give him his hand.  Instantly the sick man arose, threw on another garment and left his bed.  He and his wife cast themselves at Jesus' feet.  The Lord addressed to them a few words of exhortation, blessed them, promised them posterity, and then led them out of the chamber to their assembled household who were filled with joy.  The miraculous cure was kept a secret all that day.

     Issachar invited Jesus and all His followers to stay that night in his house, and to dine with him after the exercises of the synagogue.

     Toward the end of Jesus' discourse the Pharisees and Sadducees began to strive against Him.  From the explanation of Abraham's marriage with Ketura, (Gen 25:1-4) He had come to speak of marriage itself.  The Pharisees criticized the union of Issachar and Salome.  They declared it insane in a man so rich and old to marry a young woman.  Jesus replied that the couple had married in obedience to the Law, and He asked, how could they, who held so strictly to the same law, blame them?  They answered by asking how He could look upon such a union as prescribed by Law, since so old and sick a man could hope for no blessing on his marriage, consequently such an affair was non other than a scandal.  Jesus responded, "His faith has preserved to him the fruit of wedlock.  Do you set limits to the almighty power of God?  Has not the sick man married in obedience to the Law?  In trusting God and believing that He will help him, he has done excellently well.  But this is not the cause of your indignation.  You hoped that the family would die for want of heirs, and then you would get their property in to your own hands."  Then He cited the example of many devout old people whose faith had been rewarded with posterity, and said many other things upon the subject of matrimony.  The Pharisees were furious, but had no word in reply.

     The Sabbath over, Jesus left the Synagogue and, accompanied by the disciples, went to Issachar's where a good banquet had been prepared for Him.  Issachar himself sat at one table while Salome, the wife, came and went doing the honors.  The other disciples ate in a side hall.  Previously to sitting down Jesus had healed several sick.  It was dusk and the miracles were performed by torchlight outside the synagogue and near Issachar's dwelling where the sick had gathered.  Among the disciples were Judas Iscariot, Bartholomew and Thomas, also a full brother and a half brother of Thomas.  They had come there for the Sabbath from Apheca, seven hours distance, and they put up at Issachar's, Thomas being well known to him because of his commercial pursuits.

     The refreshments consisted of birds, fish, honey and bread.  There were in Dothain numbers of pigeons, turtle doves, and colored birds which ran like hens around the houses and often took flight to the beautiful plain of Jezrael.  During the meal Issachar spoke of Mary.  He recalled the fact of her having been in that house in her youth and said that his wife's parents often related the circumstances, telling how young and beautiful and pious Mary had been.  All the disciples found hospitality in this house.

     The next morning Jesus and the disciples went for a walk outside the city.  Though Thomas had acquaintances among the disciples, he had not yet spoken to Jesus, for he was not a forward man.  Now he approached and begged Jesus to admit him to the number of His disciples.  He promised to follow Him and fulfil all His commands for, as he said, by His preaching he was convinced of the truth of what John and all the disciples of his acquaintances had said about Him.  He begged, also, to be allowed a part in His Kingdom.  Jesus replied that he was no stranger to Him and that He knew that he, Thomas, would come to Him, but Thomas would not accept that.  He asserted that he had never before thought of taking such a step, for he was no friend to novelty, and had only now determined upon it since he was convinced of His truth by His miracles.  Jesus responded, "You speak like Nathanael.  You esteem yourself wise and yet you talk foolishly.  Shall not the gardener know the trees of his garden?  The vine dresser his vines?  Shall he set out a vineyard, and not know the servants whom he sends into it?"

     There were crowds around the fountain on the invitation of Jesus and Issachar.  From the teacher's chair Jesus delivered a discourse to the people on the fulfillment of the promise, the nearness of the Kingdom, on penance and conversion, and of the way to implore the mercy of God and to receive His graces and miracles.  He spoke also for a long time on prayer and good works, related the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, (Luke 18:10-14) and told His hearers that they ought to adorn and perfume themselves on their fast days instead of parading their piety before the people.  The inhabitants of this place, who were very much oppressed by the Pharisees and Sadducees, were greatly encouraged by Jesus' teaching.  On the contrary, the Pharisees and Sadducees were enraged upon seeing the joyous multitude and hearing the words of Jesus.  Their rage increased when they beheld Issachar in perfect health going around the people joyfully helping the disciples and His own servants distribute food to them as they seated themselves along the stone benches.  This so exasperated them that they stormed violently against Jesus.  It looked as if they were about to take Him into custody.  They began again to rail at His curing on the Sabbath.  Jesus bade them to listen to Him calmly.  He placed them in a circle around Him and, making use of His customary argument, said to the chief among them, "If on the Sabbath you should happen to fall into this well here, would you not wish to be drawn out at once?"  And so He continued to speak until they slunk back covered with confusion.  After this Jesus left the city with several of His disciples.

     Issachar had distributed large alms in Dothain, and also sent to the inn of the little community beverages provided by the disciples.  Those beverages given by the disciples, which had become stale, Issachar exchanged for better.  For their missionary journeys he gave each disciple a cup and a flat jug, or pitcher, made with a ring by which it could be hung.  The stoppers were a kind of sponge tightly compressed.  The jugs contained a refreshing drink made of balm.  He also gave each disciple a sum of money for alms and other necessities.  While Issachar was distributing his alms he constantly repeated, "Help yourselves freely!  Take freely!  It is not mine.  It belong to the Father in heaven.  Thank Him, for it is only lent to me."

     Judas Iscariot and many other disciples returned from Dothain to their own homes.  Jesus kept with Him only nine disciples, among whom were Thomas, James Alpheus, Jude Barsabas, Simon, Thaddeus, little Cleophas (Nathanael), Manahem and Saturnin.

     After Jesus' departure, the Pharisees again hurled their mockery and insults toward His followers.  They said to the people, "One can easily see who He is.  He has allowed Himself to be sumptuously entertained by Issachar.  His disciples are a set of lazy vagrants whom He supports and feasts at the expense of others.  If He did right He would stay at home and support His poor Mother.  His father was a poor carpenter, but that respectable calling does not suit Him, and He goes wandering around disturbing the whole country."

     After a journey of about five hours, and night having set in, Jesus and the disciples arrived at a lonely inn where only sleeping accommodations were to be found.  Near by was a well first owned by Jacob.  On the way coming Jesus had had a long conversation with them, intended principally for the instruction of Thomas, Simon, Manahem, Little Cleophas, and the others newly arrived.  He spoke of them following Him, and through the deep conviction of the worthlessness of earthly goods, of their leaving their relatives without regret and without looking back.  He promised that what they had left behind should be restored to them in His Kingdom a thousand fold, but they should reflect maturely whether or not they could break their earthly ties.

     To some of the disciples, and especially to Thomas, Judas Iscariot was not particularly pleasing.  Thomas did not hesitate to say to Jesus that he did not like Judas because he was too ready to agree, to fawn ingratiatingly, saying, "Yes," and "No," too readily.  Why, he asked, had He admitted that man among His disciples, since He had been so difficult to please when others had asked to join Him.  Jesus answered evasively that from eternity it was decreed by God that Judas, like all the other Apostles, be one of the members of His disciples.

     When the disciples had retired to rest, Jesus went alone into the mountains to pray.

     Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey and approached near Endor where Jesus cured a seven year old boy who had been possessed.  Both father and son fell on their knees before Jesus giving thanks.  Jesus admonished the father and commanded him to go to Ennon to be baptized.

     Jesus did not enter Endor.  The suburb in which He stayed had more beautiful edifices than the city itself.  There was something about Endor that spoke of death.  Part of the city was waste, its walls in ruins, its streets overgrown with grass.  Many of the inhabitants were heathens under the power of the Jews, and were obligated to labor at all kinds of public works.  The few rich Jews found in Endor often peeped timidly out of their doors and quickly drew in their heads, as if they feared that someone was stealing their money behind their back.

     At Endor Thomas left Jesus and those disciples that were with Him, and returned to Alpheca for a while.

     At Giskala in the forecourt of the synagogue, Jesus uttered prophetic words to the disciples concerning Giskala.  He spoke of a man who would pass from hatred to love, who would be zealous for the truth, and who could convert many to God.  This man was Paul who was born at Giskala, but whose parents afterward removed to Tarsus.  Paul's parents' house was still standing and rented to strangers.

     The region around Giskala was very fruitful.  People were gathering the second crop of grapes, different kinds of fruit, aromatic shrubs and cotton.  A kind of reed grew in these parts, the lower leaves of which were large, the upper ones small.  From it was distilled a sweet juice like resin.  Here too were seen those trees whose fruit was used for decoration of the tabernacles, and the aromatic herb from which nard is made.  Figs, olives and grapes were in abundance, while magnificent melons lay in countless numbers in the fields.  In the midst of this luxuriance of nature were great herds of cattle.

     As Jesus was walking through the fields and gardens in which people were fast gathering together, groups collected around Him here and there.  He instructed them in parables taken from their ordinary circumstances and occupations.  The pagan children mingled familiarly with those of their Jewish neighbors in harvest time, but they were somewhat differently clothed.

     In the house in which Paul was born there lived an officer in command of the pagan soldiers of the citadel.  He was called Achias.  He had a sick son seven years old to whom he had given the name "Jephte" after the Jewish hero. (Judges 8-33)  He sighed for help from Jesus but none of the inhabitants of Giskala would interceded for him with the Lord.  The townspeople had no liking for the Roman officer whom they did not care to have so near them.  The disciples were all busy.  Therefor the anxious father made bold to follow Jesus, but at a distance.  At last he approached Him and said, "Master, reject not Your servant!  Have pity on my little son lying sick at home!"

     Jesus replied, "It is proper to break bread to the children of the household before giving it to the stranger who stands without."

     Achias responded "Lord, I believe that You are God's Messenger, the Fulfillment of the Promise.  I believe You can help me, and I know that You have said those who believe in You are not strangers but Your children.  Lord, have pity on my son!"

     Then Jesus said, "Your faith has saved you!" and, followed by some of the disciples, He went into the house in which Paul had been born and in which Achias now resided.

     Achias conducted Jesus into the interior of the house,  Servants carried to Him the boy still lying in his bed.  The wife of Achias followed veiled.  She bowed timidly, and stood somewhat behind the rest in anxious expectation.  Achias was radiant with joy.  The boy was a beautiful child of about six.  He had on a long woolen gown with a striped fur around his neck and crossed on his breast.  He was dumb and paralyzed, wholly unable to move, but he looked intelligent and affectionate, and cast a most touching glance at Jesus.

     Jesus addressed to the parents and all present some words on the vocation of the Gentiles, the nearness of the Kingdom, of penance, and of the entrance into the Father's house by baptism.  Then He prayed, took the boy in His arms, laid him on His breast, bowed low over him, put His fingers under his tongue, set him down on the floor and led him to the officer who, with the mother trembling for joy, rushed forward with heartfelt tears to meet and embrace their child.  The little fellow stretched out his arms toward his parents crying, "O father!  O mother!  I can walk!  I can speak again!"

     Then Jesus said, "Take the boy!  You know not what a treasure has been given to you in him.  He is now restored to you, but he will one day be re-demanded from you!"

     The parents led the child again to Jesus and in tears threw themselves at His feet, giving thanks.  Jesus blessed the boy and spoke to him most kindly.

     Jesus again spoke to Achias, telling him that he should go to Capharnaum and there receive baptism, and that he might join Zorobabel.  Achias and his domestics did this later on.  The boy Jephte afterward became a very zealous disciple of Thomas.

     Jesus bid farewell to the home of the happy Achias.  He spoke with His disciples about the child and of the fruits of salvation he was to receive.  He told them also that from that same house one had already gone out one who would accomplish great things in His Kingdom.

     Jesus turned back to Capharnaum.  He turned off into the street that led to the heart of the city, and for an hour cured numbers of sick that had been brought together.  Some possessed were also healed.  Later Jesus left the city with several of the disciples and went to a little vale beyond Magdalum not far from Damna.  There they entered a public inn, where they found Maroni the widow of Naim (Luke 7:11-15) and the pagan Lais of Naim with her two daughters, Sabia and Athalia.  When Jesus was at Meroz, He had from a distance delivered these two daughters from the devil.

     Bartholomew had arrived bringing with him Joses, the little son of his widowed sister.  Thomas was there too, and with him was Jephte, the little cured son of Achias, the Centurion of Giskala.  Achias himself was not present, but Judas Iscariot had come from Meroz.  Lais and her two daughters had already embraced Judaism in Naim, and renounced idolatry before the Jewish priests.  At this ceremony a kind of baptism was performed by the priests, which, however, consisted only of a sprinkling with water and other purifications.  In such cases Jews baptized women, but the baptism of Jesus and John was not conferred upon females before Pentecost.

     All the future Apostles were now in Capharnaum with the exception of Mathias.  A great many of Jesus' disciples and relatives were present.  Among them were many women related to Him by blood.  Mary Heli, Mary's elder sister, was there.  She was now perhaps seventy years old, and together with her second husband, Obed, had come bringing an ass laden with presents to Mary.  She was greatly rejoiced at seeing her sons, James Cleophas, Saddock and Heliacim, all disciples of John.

     The Pharisees and Sadducees determined to oppose Jesus today in the synagogue.  They laid their plans and bribed the people to raise a tumult in which Jesus was to be formally thrust out of the edifice or taken prisoner.  But the affair turned out quite differently.  Jesus commenced His teaching in the synagogue by a very vigorous address, like one have the authority  to speak. (Mark 1:22)  The rage of the exasperated Pharisees increased at each moment.  It was about to be let loose upon Him when suddenly a great disturbance arose in the synagogue.  A man, possessed by the devil and belonging to the city, had been fast bound because of his madness.  While his keepers were in the synagogue, he had broken his bonds.  He came plunging like a fury into the synagogue, and with frightful cries pressed his way through the people whom he tossed right and left.  He also began to utter screams of terror.  He ran straight to the spot where Jesus was teaching, crying out, "Jesus of Nazareth!  What have we to do with You?  Have You come to drive us out!  I know Who You are!  You are the Holy One of God!"  But Jesus remained quite unmoved.  He scarcely turned from His elevated position toward him, made only a menacing gesture sideways with His hand, and said quietly, "Be still, and go out of him!"

Whereupon the man, becoming silent, sank down, still tossed to and fro on the ground, and satan departed from him under the from of a thick black vapor.  The man now grew pale and calm, prostrated on the ground, and wept.  All present were witnesses to this awful and wonderful spectacle of Jesus' power.  Their terror was changed to a murmur of admiration.  The courage of the Pharisees forsook them and they huddled together, saying to one another, "What manner of man is this?  He commands the spirits, and they go out of the possessed!" (Mark 1:21-28 & Luke 4:31-37)  Jesus went on quietly with His discourse.  The man who had been freed from the devil, weak and emaciated, was conducted home by his wife and relatives who had been in the synagogue.  When the sermon was over, he met Jesus as He was leaving the synagogue, thanked Him and asked for some advice.  Jesus warned him to refrain from his evil habits lest something worse might befall him, and exhorted him to penance and baptism.  The man was a cloth weaver.  He made cotton scarfs, narrow and light, such as were worn around the neck.  He returned to work perfectly cured in mind and body.  Such unclean spirits often domineer over men that freely give themselves up to their passions.

     Jesus withdrew to the garden in the neighborhood of Peter's house.  It was enclosed by a hedge, and in it all the preparations for baptism had been made.  There were several circular cisterns, formed in the ground and surrounded by a little channel, into which the water of a steam running nearby could be turned.  A long arbor could, by hanging screens, be divided into little compartments for the convenience of the neophytes when disrobing.  An elevated stand had been erected for Jesus.  Present were the disciples and about fifty aspirants to baptism.  Among those were some relatives of the Holy family; Cyrinus from Cyprus; the Roman Centurion of Giskala, Achias; and his little, miraculously cured son Jephte; the centurion Cornelius, several of his domestics, and his yellow slave who had been cured; (Matt 8:5-13 & Luke 7:1-10) many pagans from Upper Galilee; a dark skinned slave of Zorobabel; and the five publicans of Mageddo; some boys among whom was Joses, the nephew of Bartholomew; and all the cured lepers and possessed of these parts.  The lepers were indeed free from ulcers, but their faces were still disfigured and bore the marks of suffering.

     All the neophytes were clothed in penitential robes of gray wool, a four cornered kerchief over their head.  Jesus instructed and prepared them for baptism, after which they retired into the arbor and put on a baptismal garment, a white tunic long and wide.  Their head was uncovered, the kerchief now thrown over their shoulders, and they stood in the channel around the basin, their hands crossed on their breast.  Andrew and Saturnin baptized while Thomas, Bartholomew, John and others imposed hands as sponsors.  The neophytes with bared shoulders leaned over a railing around the edge of the basin.  One of the disciples carried a vessel of water that had been blessed by Jesus, from which the baptizers scooped some water with the hand and poured it three times over the heads of those being baptized.  Thomas was sponsor for Jephte, the son of Achias.  Although several received baptism at the same time, yet the ceremony lasted until nearly two o'clock in the afternoon.

     Jesus left Capharnaum accompanied by The Twelve and about thirty disciples.  He arrived about three in the afternoon at a beautiful mountain.  Five roads branched from it and about as many little towns lay around it.  The people who had followed Jesus this far now took their leave, while He, with His own party, having first taken some refreshment at the foot of the mountain, began to ascend the height.  He instructed the Apostles and disciples upon their vocation.  Among other things He told them that none should be greater than the others, they should live poorly and humbly, not being a burden to anyone.

     After that the Apostles knelt down in a circle around Jesus as He prayed and laid His hands upon the head of each.  The disciples He only blessed.  Then they embraced and separated.

     Six of the Apostles continued to remain with Him; Thomas, Peter, James Alpheus, John, Philip and Judas.  Also remaining with Him were Mary Heli's three sons (James Cleophas, Sadock, and Heliachim), Manahem, Nathanael (called Little Cleophas) and several others.

     At a fountain a blind man and several cripples were awaiting Jesus' coming.  They implored Him for help.  Jesus ordered the blind man to wash his face at the fountain.  When he had done so He anointed his eyes with oil, broke off a little twig from a bush near by, held it before his eyes and asked whether he saw it not.  The man answered "Yes, I see a very tall tree."  Jesus anointed his eyes one more and repeated His question, whereupon the man cast himself on his knees before Him crying out joyfully, "I see mountains, trees, people!  I see everything!"  There was great jubilation among the people as they escorted the man back into the city. (Mark 8:27-30)  Jesus went on curing the lame and the palsied who were standing around on crutches made of light but very firm wood.  Each crutch had three feet so it could stand alone, and when the two were crossed together, the sick could rest their breast against them.

     Toward evening Jesus arrived at Bethan.  He and the disciples put up with the daughter of Elizabeth's sister.  She had some sons about eighteen to twenty years old.  All belonged to the married Essenians.  The husband of Elizabeth's niece was the Superior.  They were very pious people.  They spoke to Jesus about John the Baptist, and asked Him with anxiety whether or not he would soon be released.  Jesus answered in words that made them very grave and sad, though without disturbing their peace of mind.

     They spoke to Jesus about their sons whom they intended to send soon to the fishery at Capharnaum.  Jesus replied that those fishermen, that is Peter and his companions, had begun another kind of fishing, and that their young sons would also follow Him in their own good time.  Later they did indeed join the Seventy-two.

     Jesus said that He would go back to Judea.  Thomas showed great pleasure at the prospect of this journey because he anticipated opposition on the part of the Pharisees and hoped to be able to dispute with them.  He expressed his sentiments to the other disciples, but they did not appear to share his satisfaction.  Jesus rebuked him for his exaggerated zeal, and told him that the time would come when his own faith would waver.  But Thomas could in no way believe or understand His words.

     While Jesus was teaching on the beatitudes in the school at Bethan, the Pharisees of Saphet came down to invite Him to their city for the Sabbath.  He explained before them the parable of the seed falling on different kinds of ground, (Mark 4:2-20 & Luke 8:4-15) but they could not understand the allusion contained in the rocky soil. (Luke 8:13)  They disputed the point with Him, but He soon reduced them to silence.  When they invited Him for the Sabbath He replied that He would go with them for the sake of the lost sheep, but that both they and the Sadducees (some of whom were at Saphet) would be scandalized on His account.  They replied, "Rabbi, leave that to us."  Jesus responded that He knew them well, and that their unrighteousness filled the land.  He went up to Saphet followed by many from Bethan.

     Saphet could boast of many Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and simple Levites.  A kind of religious school was there in which youths were educated in all the Jewish liberal arts and in theology.  A couple of years before, Thomas had been a student at this school.  He now went to visit one of the head teachers, a Pharisee, who expressed his wonder at seeing him in such company as Jesus' followers.  But Thomas silenced him by his zealous defence of His actions and teachings.

     Some Pharisees and Sadducees from Jerusalem had managed to thrust themselves into this school, and their arbitrary dealings rendered them insufferable to even the Pharisees and teachers of this place.  Among them were some of those who had sent for Jesus.  They addressed Him in very insinuating speech in which, alluding to His fame and His miracles, they suggested that He should raise no excitement or commotion in their city.  They had been very much scandalized at the solemn reception tendered Him by the people.  As the Sabbath had not yet begun, Jesus replied to them in the outer porch before all the people.  He spoke in very strong language of the disturbance and scandal which, owing to their efforts, had been spread throughout the country.  He challenged them to upbraid Him with anything wherein He had violated the Law, He Who had been sent by His Father for its perfect accomplishment.

     When He returned to Nazareth, Jesus visited His parents' house.  It was in perfect order but unoccupied.  He also visited Mary's elder sister.  She was the mother of Mary Cleophas, who took care of the house, though she did not live in it.

     Jesus then went to the synagogue with His disciples and preached in sharp and severe terms.  Jesus said that nowhere was a Prophet without honor excepting in his own city, in his own house, among his own relatives.  The close of the Sabbath found many waiting to be healed but to the vexation of the Pharisees, Jesus cured none. (Matt 13:53-58)

     What especially irritated the Pharisees were Jesus' words to His disciples; for instance "I send you as lambs among wolves," (Luke 10:3) "Sodom and Gomorrha will be less severely condemned on the last day than they that refuse to receive you;" (Matt 10:15) or "I am come not to bring peace, but the sword." (Matt: 10:34)

     The Pharisees remarked to Him that this time He had come with fewer followers than on the preceding occasion, and they inquired whether He was not going to take up His quarters with the Essenenians.  As a rule, the Essenians did not frequent Jesus' public instructions, and He rarely mentioned them.  The enlightened among them at a later period joined the Community.  They never opposed His doctrine, but looked upon Jesus as the Son of God.

     Thomas, Andrew, and Saturnin, who had been with Jesus, were now sent to replace Peter, Matthew and James Zebedee, who had just returned to Jesus from Upper Galilee.

     As Jesus with the Apostles and disciples were making the journey from Capharnaum to Cana and Cydessa, He stopped in the region of Giskala and placed The Twelve in three separate rows, and revealed to each his own peculiar disposition and character.  Peter, Andrew, John, James Zebedee and Matthew stood in the first row; Thaddeus, Bartholomew, James Alpheus and the disciple Barsabas in the second; Thomas, Simon, Philip and Judas Iscariot in the third.  Each heard his own thoughts and hopes revealed to him by Jesus, and all were strongly affected.  Jesus delivered at the same time a lengthy discourse upon the hardships and sufferings that awaited them.

     The three different rows established no subordination among the Apostles, one to another.  The twelve were classed merely according to their disposition and character.  Joses Barsabas stood foremost in the row of disciples and nearest to The Twelve.  Consequently Jesus included him with the Apostles and revealed to him his hopes and fears.

     Several times Jesus repeated His instruction to the disciples upon the order they were to observe and the duties they were to fulfil in their present mission.  Thomas, Thaddeus and James Alpheus went with some of the disciples down to the tribe of Aser.  They were allowed to take nothing with them.  Jesus with the nine remaining Apostles, Saturnin, Judas Barsabas and another went northward to Sarepta.

     On the way to the mount and before Jesus retired to pray, the

Apostles and disciples, who had last returned from their several missions, gave their Master a full account of all that had happened to them, all that they had seen and heard and done.  He listened to everything and exhorted them to pray and hold themselves ready for what He was going to communicate to them.

     When at daybreak they again gathered about Jesus, The Twelve stood around Him in a circle.  On His right were first John, then James Zebedee and thirdly Peter.  The disciples stood outside the circle, the oldest of them nearest.  Then Jesus, as if resuming the discourse of the preceding night, asked, "Who do men say that I am?"  The Apostles and the oldest disciples repeated various conjectures of the people concerning Him as they had heard here and there in different places.  Some said He was the Baptist, others Elias, and others Jeremias.

     Jesus was very grave, and they fixed their eyes on Him with some impatience.  At last He said, "And you, for whom do you take Me?"  No one felt impelled to answer.  Only Peter, full of faith and zeal, took one step forward into the circle and with hand raised like one solemnly affirming declared loudly and boldly, "You are The Christ, the Son of the Living God!"

     Jesus replied with great earnestness, His voice strong and animated, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of John, because flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven!  And I say to you, you are a rock and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against It, and I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you shall loose upon the earth shall be loosed in Heaven!" (Matt 16:13-20) Peter, in the same spirit in which he had confessed to the Godhead, received Jesus' words in their full signification.  The other Apostles did not fully comprehend the meaning and still harbored earthly ideas of Jesus' Kingdom.  Jesus now told the Apostles in plain terms that He was the promised Messiah.  He applied to Himself all the passages to that effect found in the Prophets.

     Jesus asked the disciples upon what subject they had been talking about on the way from Dothain to Capharnaum.  They were silent, for they had been questioning who would be the greatest among them.  Jesus however knew their thoughts and He said, "Let him that will be the first among you, become the last, the servant of all!" (Mark 9:33-35)

     After dinner Jesus, The Twelve, and some disciples went into Capharnaum.  Jesus visited the homes of the poor and many of His friends.  They presented to Him the children whom He blessed and to whom He made little presents.  On one side of the market place stood the old synagogue, on the other the new synagogue built by Cornelius the Centurion.  Here the school children and mothers with their little ones were assembled to salute Jesus.  The children received fruit, writing tablets and other gifts.

     The disciples asked again who would be the greatest in the Kingdom.  Jesus called to Him a wealthy lady, the wife of a merchant, who was standing with her four year old boy at the door of a house near by.  She drew her veil and stepped forward with her boy.  Jesus took him from her and she went back.  Then Jesus embraced the boy, stood him before Him in the midst of the disciples and the crowds of children standing around and said, "Whoever receives a child in My name, receives Me, yes, rather receives Him who sent Me.  And whoever humbles himself like this little child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt 18:1-4 & Mark 9:33-37)

     Very early in the morning Jesus sent the disciples and Apostles out on various missions.  Upon the Apostles and the oldest disciples He imposed hands but the rest He merely blessed.  By this ceremony He filled them with new strength and energy.  It was not a priestly ordination, but only an imparting of grace and vigor to the soul.  He also addressed to them many words on the value of obedience to superiors.

     Thomas received his mission to the country of the Gergeseans where he went with a troop of disciples, taking a circuitous route to Asach, a city situated on a height between two valleys, about nine hours from Sephoris.  There were a great many Jews in this city which belonged to the Levites.

     Jesus took a ship to Cyprus where He visited some Jewish settlers and taught them.  He also taught some pagan philosophers.  Among many other people he also visited the relatives of Barnabas.

     Many Cypriots welcomed His teaching and wished to follow Jesus from Cyprus to Galilee that they might practice their new-found faith.  Arrangements were made for three ships to carry them.  When He returned to Palestine, Jesus landed near the mouth of the Cison east of Hepha which lies on the coast.  He was received on shore by several of the Apostles and disciples among them Thomas, Simon, Thaddeus, Nathanael Chased and Heliacim.  All of them were unspeakably delighted to embrace Him and His companions.  They proceeded to the Levitical city Misael which faced the sea on the west.  On the south rose Carmel with its beautiful valley.

     Jesus walked in the garden with His disciples and related the parable of a fisherman that went out to sea to fish and took five hundred and seventy fish.  He told them that an experienced fisherman, in order to preserve the good fish, would put into pure water the good fish that he found among the bad.  He told them that like Elias He would purify the springs and wells, He would remove the good fish from the bad water where the fish of prey would devour them, and He would make for them new spawning ponds in better water.  A few Cypriots, who had come with Jesus from Cyprus could not restrain their tears when they heard Him speak of the laborious task of transporting the fish from bad to good water.  Jesus mentioned clearly and precisely the number "five hundred and seventy good fish" that had been saved, and said that that was indeed enough "fish" for the labor of saving them; five hundred and seventy was the number of Cypriots who were brought to Galilee from Cyprus.

     Judas Iscariot, who loved to execute business commissions, and Thomas, whose family owned rafts in the port and who was well known there, went with several disciples to Hepha to make arrangements for the expected Cypriots and to help them when the three ships from Cyprus arrived there.

     When at last all the disciples returned from their missions, the latest being Thomas, John, and Bartholomew, Jesus went with them to Cana where the seventy disciples and the holy women from Capharnaum also came.

     Jesus taught.  He said that He had not come into this world to enjoy the comforts and pleasures of life, and that it was foolish to demand of Him anything else than the fulfillment of His Father's will.  He said in terms more significant than ever that He Himself was the One so long expected, but that He would be received by only a few, and that when His work was done, He would return to His Father.  He spoke warningly and entreatingly, begging His hearers most earnestly not to reject salvation and the moment of grace.

     From Cana Jesus went with all the Apostles and disciples to the mount of instruction near Gabara.  He commanded them to relate their experience, to tell how things had gone with them.  The Apostles spoke first.  Jesus told them that they should act and work in His name and by Him in humility and faith, never harboring the thought that one could do more than another.  He said, "Behold I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon all the might of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.  But yet rejoice in this that your names are written in Heaven." (Luke 10:19-20)  Several times He addressed them kindly and lovingly in the words, "Beloved little children," and listened to the account given by many of them.  Thomas and Nathanael received a reprimand for some negligence of which they had been guilty, but it was given with great love and sincerity.

     At the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the Temple.  The Jews gathered around Him asking Him if He was the Christ.  Jesus answered saying, "I told you and you do not believe because you do not belong to My sheep.  My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me."  He said that His Father had given them to Him and that no one could snatch them out of His Father's hand, and that the Father and He were One.  The Jews took up stones to stone Him, declaring that they did so because He, being a man, made Himself God. (John 10:22-39)  But Jesus escaped.

     After Jesus received the message that Lazarus had fallen asleep, He informed His disciples of it.  Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples, "Lazarus is dead and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.  Let us go to him."  The disciples feared for their lives if they went back to Bethania, that place so close to Jerusalem where they had been treated with stones thrown at them.  But Thomas said to the other disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."  He was willing to put his life on the line for his Master. (John 11:11-16)  Thomas was a man of courage and loyalty.

     After the raising of Lazarus from the dead a new storm against Him arose among the Pharisees.  Jesus told His followers that He would go on a long trip until things settled down.  He gave them instructions as to what they should do and where they would again meet.

     When He later returned to Bethania, His Mother was at the inn with some other women.  Also waiting for Him were Judas, Thomas, Simon, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, John Mark and some others.  The Apostles went out to meet Jesus at a well where they washed His feet.  After that Jesus gave an instruction which was followed by a meal.

     The next day Jesus taught again.  Many sick came or were brought to be healed.  Many of the cured threw themselves prostrate at Jesus' feet.  His companions raised them and led them away.  Jesus sent out disciples two by two from Bethania into the country-side to teach and to heal.

     While at the inn three men from Jerusalem came to Him.  They asked why He had so long abandoned them, why He had in other places done so much of which they knew nothing.  In His answer to these questions Jesus spoke of tapestry and other precious things, which looked new and beautiful to one who had not seen them for some time.  He also said that if the sower sowed his seed all at once in one place, the whole might be destroyed by a hailstorm; the instructions and cures were scattered far and wide so they would not easily be destroyed or soon be entirely forgotten.

     These disciples brought news that the High Priests and Pharisees were going to station spies in the places around Jerusalem in order to seize Him as soon as He appeared.  Hearing this, Jesus took with Him only His two latest disciples, Selam of Kedar and Silvanus.  They traveled the whole night.

     Jesus afterward celebrated the Sabbath in Bethabara.  Thomas, Andrew, Judas Iscariot, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Zacheus and seven other disciples were present, having come from Bethania to meet Jesus.  When Judas was about to leave Bethania, the Blessed Virgin earnestly exhorted him to be more moderate, to watch over himself, and not to interfere in affairs the way that he did.

     The day after His return to Bethania, Jesus began preparing His Mother and the Apostles for His approaching Passion.  The next day after the Jews officials left the synagogue, Jesus began to teach in it openly and very earnestly.

     When the Apostles and disciples alone were standing around Jesus, He touched upon many things that would take place after His return to the Father.  He predicted the persecutions that would arise against them and told the Apostles where they should retire at the end of the first six months after His death.  Peter, John and James Alpheus were to remain in Jerusalem.  James Zebedee was to go to the pagan regions north of Capharnaum.  Thomas and Matthew were to go to Ephesus in order to prepare the country where at a future day Jesus' Mother and many of those who believed in Him were to dwell.  They wondered greatly at the fact of Mary's going there to live.  Jesus told them that they would all meet twice in Jerusalem before going to preach the Gospel in distant pagan lands.

     Jesus went back to Bethania for the Sabbath.  While He had been teaching in the Temple the Jews had been ordered to keep their houses closed, for it was forbidden to offer Him or His disciples any refreshment.  They went to the public house of Simon the healed leper where a meal was waiting for them.  Magdalen met the Lord at the door.  She wore a penitential robe and girdle, her flowing hair concealed in a black veil.  She cast herself at His feet and with her hair wiped the dust from them.  She did it openly before all, and many were scandalized at her conduct.

     Toward the end of the meal Magdalen, urged by love, gratitude, contrition and anxiety, again made her appearance.  She went behind Jesus' couch, broke a little flask of precious balm over His head and poured some of it upon His feet which she wiped with her hair.  Then she left the dining hall. (Matt 26:6-13)  Several of those present were scandalized, especially Judas, who excited Matthew, Thomas and John Mark.  But Jesus excused her on account of her love.  Thomas, the business man, was well aware that large expenses could wipe out any assets they had, and this was not the only time Magdalen spent lavishly.

     Jesus spent the whole day at Lazarus' with the holy women and the Twelve Apostles.  In the course of His instruction Jesus told them that now they would not be together long.  They would not again eat at Lazarus' though they would do so once more at Simon's.  On the last occasion they would not be so tranquil as they were then.  He invited them to be perfectly free with Him, and ask Him whatever they wanted to know.  On hearing this, they began to ask numerous questions, especially Thomas, who had a great many doubts.  John, too, frequently put a question, but softly and gently.

     When they asked Jesus about the Kingdom that was to come to them, His answer was inexpressibly kind.  He told them that another Spirit would come upon them and then only would they understand all things.  He must go to the Father, that He might be able to send them the Spirit which proceeded from the Father and Himself.  He had come in the flesh in order to redeem man, but there was something material in His influence upon them; the body works in a corporeal manner, and it was for that reason they could not understand Him.  But He would send the Spirit, Who would open their understanding.  He spoke of troublesome times to come when all would have to suffer like a woman in the pains of childbirth, of the beauty of the human soul created in the likeness of God, and He showed how glorious a thing it is to save a soul and lead it home to Heaven.  He recalled how often they had misunderstood Him and His forbearance with them.  In like manner they should treat with sinners after His departure.

     Jesus and His Apostles prepared for the Passover Supper.  They put on the travelling dresses of ceremony.  Their tunics were tucked up into their girdles and the wide sleeves turned up.  Each took a staff in his hand, then they walked in pairs to the table where each stood in his place, his arms raised, and his staff resting on one of them.  Jesus stood at the center of the table.  The table was narrow and only high enough to reach about a half foot above the knee.  It was in the form of a horseshoe.  Opposite Jesus was a space left free for the serving of the dishes.  John, James Zebedee and James Alpheus stood on Jesus' right, then came Bartholomew and around the corner stood Thomas and next came Judas Iscariot.  On Jesus' left were Peter, Andrew and Thaddeus, then came Simon and around the corner Matthew and Philip.

     After the prayer the master of the feast laid on the table in front of Jesus the knife for cutting the Paschal lamb, placed a cup of wine before Him and from a jug filled six other cups each of which he set between two of the Apostles.  Jesus blessed the wine and drank, the Apostles drinking two from one cup.  The Lord cut up the Paschal lamb.  The Apostles reached their loaves toward Him and each received on his bread a share of the lamb.

     While the Apostles were eating the herbs, Jesus continued to converse with them quite lovingly, though He afterward became grave and sad.  They arose from the table and while putting on and arranging their robes, Jesus ordered some water be brought Him in the anteroom.  There He washed their feet.  Jesus went from one to another, and from the basin held under them by John, He scooped up water over the feet presented to Him and wiped them with the towel He was girded with.

     After the washing of feet they again gathered around the table.  Jesus, standing in the midst of the Apostles, spoke to them long and solemnly.  He spoke of His Kingdom, of His going to His Father and He told them that He would, before leaving them, give over to them all He possessed.  He said, "Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And when I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know where I am going."  Thomas, puzzled, not understanding a spiritual Kingdom, said, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.  How can we know the way?"  Jesus answered, "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.  From now on you know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:1-7)

     Then Peter and John brought forward the chalice they had brought from Seraphia's house.  Jesus' place was between Peter and John.  The doors were closed for everything was conducted with secrecy and solemnity.  Jesus became more recollected.  Again He prayed and taught.  He took the plate with the morsels of bread and said, "Take and eat.  This is My Body which is given for you."  While saying these words He stretched forth His right hand over the bread as if giving a blessing and as He did so a brilliant light emanated from Him.  Jesus next raised the chalice by its two handles to a level of His face, and pronounced into it the words of consecration.  While doing so He was wholly transfigured and, as it were, transparent.  He was as if passing over into what He was giving. (Matt 26:26-29 & Mark 14:22-25 & Luke 22:14-20)

     The remains of the Sacred Blood in the chalice the Lord poured into the small cup that fit into the chalice.  After Peter and John drank the ablution, Jesus wiped out the chalice, put into it the little cup holding what was left of the Sacred Blood, laid upon it the plate with the remains of the consecrated Bread, replaced the cover, wrapped the whole in a linen cloth and deposited it into its case among the smaller cups.  This Blessed Sacrament was reserved for the Apostles to partake of after the Resurrection.

     Jesus gave the Apostles an instruction full of mystery.  When He was finished He said, "It is enough!  Let us go!"  Then they recited the hymn of thanksgiving, put aside the table and went.

     It was about nine o'clock when Jesus reached Gethsemani with the disciples.  The moon was beginning to light up the sky.  Jesus was very sad.  He announced to the Apostles the approach of danger, and they became uneasy.  He bade eight of them to remain in the Garden of Gethsemani where there was a kind of summer house built of branches and foliage.

     When Judas and the band of soldiers came to arrest Jesus they caught sight of the eight Apostles who, at the sound of the noise, came from the Garden of Gethsemani.  Immediately they called four of the archers to come to their assistance.  Peter wished to repel them by force.  He exclaimed, "Lord, the Eight from Gethsemani are close at hand.  Let us make an attack on the archers!"  But Jesus told him to hold his peace.  Judas, seeing his plans to appear innocent of the presence of the soldiers, was upset.  He filled up with rage and spite.  Just at this moment four of the disciples issued from the Garden of Gethsemani and inquired what was going on.  Judas began to exchange words with them, and would have cleared himself by a lie, but the guards would not allow him to go on.  These four last comers were James Alpheus, Philip, Thomas and Nathanael.  Nathanael, who was the son of the aged Simeon, had along with several others, been sent by Jesus' friends to the eight Apostles in the Garden of Gethsemani to find out what was going on.  They were moved by anxiety and by curiosity.  With the exception of these four, the disciples were straggling around in the distance, furtively on the look out to discover what they could. (Matt 26:47-56 & Mark 14:43-50 & Luke 22:47-53)

     Early in the morning Peter and John went with Andrew into the hall of the Last Supper and vested in their priestly robes while the other Apostles entered the ante hall.  The three Apostles entered the curtained chamber where the Blessed Sacrament had been reposed.  They lit the lamp of sacrifice hanging in the center of the hall, carried the Communion table forward into the hall, placed the Blessed Sacrament on it and extinguished the lamp in the Holy of Holies.  The other Apostles, Thomas among them, took their places around the table.  After Peter and John, bowing reverently, received Holy Communion, Peter sent the plate around and each one communicated himself.  This was the first divine service celebrated after the Last Supper.

     After that Thomas went to a little place near Samaria with a disciple from that part of the country.

     Cleophas and Luke left Jerusalem and were on their way to Emmaus when they encountered Jesus.  After recognizing Him in the breading of the bread, they hurried back at once to Jerusalem.  That evening many of the disciples and all the Apostles except Thomas were assembled in the hall of the Last Supper, the doors being closed.  Although Jesus had appeared to Peter, John and James, yet the greater number of Apostles  and disciples did not fully believe in the resurrection.

     All had arranged for prayer when Luke and Cleophas knocked at the closed door and were admitted.  Their joyful news interrupted the prayer, but scarcely was it again continued when Jesus came in through the closed doors. (Luke 24:13-43)

     The Apostles went with a troop of disciples, among them Luke, in the direction of Sichar.  Peter said joyfully as they were setting out, "We shall go to the sea and catch fish," by which he meant souls.  They separated and went different ways, teaching at inns and in public places about the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus.

     They met again at the inn outside Thanath-Silo.  Thomas with two disciples also joined them as they were gathered at a meal prepared for them.  The Apostles told Thomas about the appearance of the risen Savior in their midst.  But Thomas raised his hands to silence them, and said he would not believe it until he had touched His wounds.  He did the same before the disciples when they declared to him that they had seen the Lord.  Thomas kept a little aloof from the followers of Jesus, and was thereby somewhat weakened in faith. (John 20:24-25)

     After the close of the Sabbath a week after Jesus first appeared to them in the Supper Room, the Apostles laid aside their robes of ceremony.  A meal was spread in the outer hall.  It was a love-feast such as had taken place on the preceding Sunday.  Thomas had celebrated the Sabbath somewhere else in the neighborhood.  He did not come in until after the meal when they had again returned to the Supper Room.  The Apostles and disciples had robed themselves in long white garments and prepared for prayer.  While these preparations were being made, Thomas entered the Supper Room.  He passed through the Apostles who were already robed and put on his own long white garment.  As he went along the Apostles accosted him.  Some caught him by the sleeve, others gesticulated with the right hand as they spoke, as if emphatically protesting against him, but he behaved like one in a hurry vest and as if he could not credit the account given him of the wonderful things which had happened in that place.

     As soon as Mary and Magdalen entered, the doors were closed and all arranged for prayer.  After some time there was a pause in the assembly, an intermission of prayer, or as if prayer was at an end, and they began to speak of going to the Sea at Tiberias and of how they would disperse, when Jesus appeared.  He walked quickly and stepped between Peter and John who moved back from either side.

     Jesus' first words were, "Peace be to you!"  First He spoke to Peter and John.  Then Jesus stepped under the lamp and the Apostles closed in around Him.  Thomas, very much frightened at the sight of the Lord, timidly drew back, but Jesus, grasping his right hand in His own right hand, took the forefinger and laid the tip of it in the wound in His own left; then taking the left hand in His own left hand He placed the forefinger in the wound of His right hand; and lastly taking again Thomas' right hand in His own right, He put it, without uncovering His breast, under His garment and laid the fore and middle fingers in the wound of His right side.  He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, see My hands, and put out your hand, place it in My side, and do not be faithless but believing."  With the exclamation, "My Lord, and my God!" Thomas sank down like one unconscious, Jesus still holding his hand.  The nearest Apostles supported him, and Jesus raised him up by the hand.  Jesus said to him, "Do you believe because you have seen Me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:26-29)

     Jesus did not disappear immediately after Thomas' declaration of faith.  He continued to speak to the Apostles.

     Before going to the Sea the holy Apostles went over the Way of the Cross to Mount Calvary.  From there they went to Bethania.  With some disciples, they then left for a fishery outside Tiberias, where they went aboard two ships, one somewhat larger and better than the other.  Peter went aboard the larger.  With him were Thomas, Nathanael of Cana, and one of the owner's servants.  In the second ship were John, his brother James, John Mark and Silas.  Peter did not let anyone else row for him.  He wanted to do it himself.  Although so distinguished by Jesus he was exceedingly humble and modest, especially before Nathanael who was polished and educated.  They sailed the whole night with torches, casting nets here and there between the two ships, but always drawing them in empty.  They had laid aside their garments while fishing, retaining only a linen bandage and a little mantle. (John 21:1-3)

     When about to resume their clothing, they saw a figure behind the reeds on the shore.  It was Jesus.  He cried out, "Children, have you any fish?"  Without recognizing Him they answered, "No!"  then He cried out again telling them to cast the net to the west of Peter's ship.  They did, and John, who was in the other boat, had to sail around to the other side to help.  The net was so heavily filled that John recognized Jesus, and called to Peter across the water, "It is the Lord!"  At these words Peter instantly girded his coat about him, leaped into the water and waded through the reeds to the shore where Jesus was standing, but John pushed on in a very light and narrow boat that had been fastened to his ship.  Thomas was the third one of those persons on board who had a perception of Jesus' presence.  The other disciples came in on the boat dragging the net full of fish.  There were a hundred and fifty-three fish.  Although there were so many, the net was not torn.  When they got on land they saw a charcoal fire with fish lying on it, and bread near by.  They were all timid and frightened for Jesus was more spirit-like than before.  The whole meal and the hour had in them something full of mystery.  No one dared ask a question.  A feeling of holy awe stole over them and gave rise to solemn silence.  Jesus was wrapped in a mantle, His wounds were not visible.  This was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after the Resurrection. (John 21:1-14)

     Of the fish that the Apostles caught none were used at that meal.  When Jesus said that they should bring them ashore, Peter threw them down in rows at Jesus' feet that they might be numbered.  By this it was acknowledged that they had caught the fish not by themselves or for themselves, but by His miraculous power and for Him.  There was a mystery connected with this meal.  This spiritual meal indicated that the Church Suffering, the holy souls, should be committed to Peter's care, should be incorporated with the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant, in short, that they should occupy a third place in the Church as a whole.

     The Apostles were in Bethania.  They were followed by about three hundred of the faithful, among them fifty women.  The Blessed Virgin had come from Jerusalem to Bethania.  There was a great Love-feast of bread breaking and passing around the cup held in the open hall of Lazarus' hall.

     Peter gave an instruction before a great multitude.  There were some spies among the listeners.  About fifty soldiers, the same ones that seized the Lord on the Mount of Olives, came from Jerusalem to Bethania and summoned the Apostles before them.  Peter, John, and Thomas presented themselves and replied boldly and openly to the charge that they convened assemblies and occasioned disturbance among the people.  Soldiers were placed at Lazarus' house.  The deputies from Jerusalem interrogated the Apostles publicly before the Council House.

     The magistrates of Bethania opposed them, saying that if they knew anything against those men they ought to take them into custody, but they must not disturb the peace of the place by the presence of soldiers.  Peter, in order to avoid giving offence, dismissed one hundred and twenty three of the assembled Faithful.  Those from the greatest distance were directed to remain at the dwellings in the neighborhood, for the Community already had all things in common.  The fifty women also withdrew and lived together in separate abodes.  Peter gave orders for all to return to Bethania before the day of Christ's Ascension.

     Toward morning on the day of the Ascension, matins were solemnly recited as usual under the lamp.  Jesus again imparted to Peter jurisdiction over the others.  Before leaving the house, Jesus presented the Blessed Virgin to the Apostles as their Mother, their Mediatrix, their Advocate, and she bestowed upon Peter and all the rest her blessing which they received bowing very low.

     At dawn Jesus left the House of the Last Supper with the Eleven.  The Blessed Virgin followed them closely, the disciples at a little distance.  New crowds of believers arrived and followed.  The narrow roads were thronged.  At each instance Jesus shone more brightly and His motions became more rapid.  It was impossible to overtake Him.  The rainbow fell from heaven around Him.  He laid the left hand on His breast and raising the right turned slowly around, blessing the whole world.  The rays of light from above united with the glory emanating from Jesus and he disappeared, dissolving as it were in the light from heaven, vanishing as He arose.  It appeared as if one sun was lost in another, as if one were gazing into the full midday splendors of the sun, though this light was whiter and clearer.

     After some moments the splendor began to diminish.  Two figures appeared in this light.  They looked like Prophets.  They addressed the multitude, their voice like trumpets resounding loud and clear.  They made no motion, stood perfectly still and said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up to heaven?  This Jesus Who is taken up from you into heaven shall so come as you have seen Him going up into Heaven."  After these words the figures vanished.

     The disciples were quite out of themselves, for they now comprehended what had happened to them.  The Lord had left them and gone to His Heavenly Father.

     The Apostles and disciples went back to the House of Last Supper.  It was past noon before the crowd entirely dispersed. (Acts 1:9-14)

     After midnight on Pentecost there arose a wonderful movement in all nature.  It communicated itself to all present as they stood in deep recollection, their arms crossed on their breast near the pillars of the Supper Room and in the side halls silently praying.

     A luminous cloud descended low over the house and with increasing sound there shot from the rushing cloud streams of white light down upon the house and its surroundings.  In that instant the whole house was penetrated through and through with light.  Each person involuntarily threw back his head and raised his eyes eagerly on high, while into the mouth of everyone there flowed a stream of light like a burning tongue of fire.  The Apostles embraced one another in joyful confidence.  Their joy found vent in thanksgiving.  They ranged for prayer, gave thanks and praised God with great emotion. (Acts 2:1-4)

     In the house of the Last Supper Peter imposed hands on the five Apostles who were to teach and baptize at the Pool of Bethsaida.  They were James Alpheus, Bartholomew, Mathias, Thomas and Jude Thaddeus.  Before departing for the Pool of Bethsaida to consecrate the water and administer baptism, they received on their knees the benediction of the Blessed Virgin.

     After the Resurrection the Apostles and disciples assembled every day in the Last Supper room for prayer in choir.  The Apostles stood along either side of the hall facing the Holy of Holies, while the disciples occupied the vestibule thrown open for the occasion.  They sang and prayed, choir and choir.  Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea and Obed were present also.  The Blessed Virgin usually stood under the middle entrance from the vestibule, her face turned toward the Holy of Holies.  Jesus had Himself arranged the choral service.  He had, about the time of the eating of fish at Tiberias, explained to the Apostles the mysterious significance of this religious ceremony.  He had repeated the same on the occasion of Thomas' touching His sacred wounds and giving testimony of his faith.  They daily assembled twice, one in the evening and once before dawn in the morning.  Below the pulpit the congregation was cut off from the choir by a grating, through many places of which the Blessed Sacrament could be reached to them.  On either side of the pulpit were small doors by which the Apostles and disciples could enter the choir.  The congregation was arranged in a certain order, the women separate from the men.

     Three years after the Crucifixion all the Apostles met in Jerusalem.  In that first reunion, the Apostles brought together all that belonged to the body of the Church.  After this first Church assembly Peter and John left the city, and Mary accompanied John to Ephesus.  Then arose in Jerusalem the persecution against Lazarus, Martha and Magdalen.

     Shortly after this first meeting in Jerusalem, Thomas, accompanied by Thaddeus and Caisar, visited the region between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.  This was the region from which the three Magi travelled to Bethlehem to adore the new born King of the Jews.  Mensor, the light brown colored Chaldean Wise Man, spent most of his time in the fields with his herds.  After he was baptized by Thomas he was called Leander.  The second Wise Man, dark brown Seir, had died before Jesus had.  He had received the baptism of desire.  Theokeno, the third Wise Man was of a yellow race from Media, a country to the north of Chaldea.  He dwelt in his own city which consisted of tents erected on stone foundations.  He was the wealthiest of these three.  At his baptism by Thomas he was named Leo.

     About six years after the crucifixion the Apostles again assembled in Jerusalem.  It was then that they drew up the Creed, made rules, relinquished all that they possessed, distributed it to the poor, and divided the Church into dioceses, after which they separated and went into far off heathen countries.

     When the Blessed Virgin felt her end approaching she called the Apostles to her by prayer.  At her prayer they received through angels the admonition to return to Ephesus.  The journeys of the Apostles from the various places in which they were, so distant and so exceedingly remote, were not made without divine assistance.

     When called to Mary, Peter was in the region of Antioch, Andrew was not far from Peter.  Jude Thaddeus and Simon were in Persia.  Of all the Apostles, Thomas was the farthest away.  When the angel came to call him he was in India praying in a hut built of reeds.  Before receiving the warning he had decided to go to Tartary.  He could not bring himself to change his plans.  He was often behind time because he wanted to do so much.  He sailed in a little boat far over the waters with one very poor simple servant, a Tartar whom he had just baptized.  After journeying across the country, turning aside from all cities, one of his disciples began to accompany him.

     He started northward across China to what is now Russia.  There he was called a second time.  He obeyed the summons and hurried to Ephesus.

     The blessed body of Mary was prepared for burial by the holy women.  Meanwhile the Apostles present prayed choir and choir.  When it came time to bear the coffin to the grotto prepared for it, the Apostles took turns to carry it.

     All went into the grotto, one by one, where they knelt in prayer before the holy body.  Then the tomb was shut in by a wicker screen.  Before the entrance of the grotto they made a trench which they planted so thickly with blooming flowers and bushes covered with berries that one could gain access to it only from the side and that only by making his way through the underbrush.

     The day after the burial when the Apostles were engaged in choir service, Thomas made his appearance with two companions.  One was a disciple named Jonathan Eleasar, the other a servant from the remote country of the Three Holy Kings.  Thomas was greatly grieved when he heard that the Blessed Virgin was already buried.  He wept an abundance of tears for he could not forgive himself for coming so late.  The Apostles, who had not interrupted their choir chanting upon his coming, now gathered around him, raised him up, embraced him and set before him and his companions bread, honey, and a beverage.  After that they accompanied him with lights to the tomb.  Thomas, Eleasar and John went into the grotto and prayed before the coffin.  Then John loosened the three straps that bound it.  They stood the lid of the coffin to one side and to their intense astonishment beheld only the empty winding sheets lying in a husk, or shell, in perfect order.  The Apostles gazed in amazement, their hands raised.  John cried out, "She is no longer here!"  When they entered the house John laid the folded linens on a little flap table before the altar.  The other Apostles were in prayer.

     The young servant that had come with Thomas looked quite unlike any of those present.  He had small eyes, high cheek bones, a forehead and nose remarkably flat and his complexion was brownish.  He was already baptized.  He was perfectly innocent and obeyed orders simply.  He did all he was told, remaining standing or sitting, whatever, whenever he was told to do so, turning his eyes in any direction indicated to see whatever was pointed out to him, and smiling upon everyone.  When Thomas wept, he wept also.  He always remained with Thomas.  He had dragged immense stones at the time Thomas was building a chapel.

     The Apostles with tears and embraces took leave of one another after they had once more celebrated solemn service in Mary's house.  An Apostle or disciple often returned at different times to pray there.

     The occasion of Mary's burial was the last time the Apostles gathered as a group.  James Zebedee was not with them as he had already met his martyrdom.

     Thomas did not go back to Tartary after Mary's death.  Before reaching that country he was pierced with a lance in India.  In India he set up a stone upon which he knelt in prayer.  He told the people that when the sea would reach that stone another evangelist would come there to preach Jesus Christ.  (St. Francis Xavier came to India in the 16th century and found a flourishing community of Christians who claimed that their Church had been founded by St. Thomas in the first century.)

     Thomas, the Apostle who once doubted the Resurrection, by his insistence on receiving proof, gave testimony to all of us that the Resurrection really took place, that the presence of Jesus after His death was a physical Body that could act, be seen, heard and felt, and that the event was as unbelievable in the Apostles' time as it is for us today.  It is the Gospel's account of Thomas' insistence on feeling His wounds that assures all of us today of the truth of His Resurrection.  The Church frequently puts into our mouths those simple words which he used to express the fervor of his regained faith, "My Lord, and my God."

     "Put your finger here and put it in My side."  Thomas believed, and for his faith he suffered martyrdom, being pierced with a lance.