Today was St. Thomas day for the team, and when you really think about it this man had such an impact on this subcontinent and region. One of Jesus' twelve disciples he was best known for doubting the resurrection and needing to touch the nail and spear marks. Therefore the Western world knows only for what the bible tells us, but tradition tells us that he came to India in 52 AD less than 20 years after Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. He was instrumental in setting the stage for Christianity in this region. It also tells us he cared deeply for the poor, that he was a sculptor and that loved Christ wholly.
We visited three sites around Chennai where St. Thomas mark can still be seen. First we went to St. Thomas Mount where tradition tells us that he was martyred while praying.
Second we visited a cave which tradition tells us that Thomas dug to hide in while he was being persecuted.
Third we went to see his tomb. We weren't actually allowed to take pictures of his tomb, but this picture was taken in the church above it.
God make us like St. Thomas leaning into you and your kingdom come here on earth. As we work to help a community break the generational bonds of poverty give us the ability teach and to learn just like St. Thomas. Amen.
Onto Kalavai in the morning for church go to catch a train!
Joel Wolfgang
No comments:
Post a Comment