Entrance Hymn: Holy God, we praise thy name

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated tomorrow, Monday, 29^th June. Traditionally this day was considered in pagan Rome to be the foundation day of the city, founded by Romulus. Now we celebrate the twin founders of the Church in Rome: St Peter, originally called Simon, a fisherman who became leader of the apostles and the rock on which the Church is built. He died by crucifixion around the year 64. St Paul, originally called Saul, was a Pharisee who became the ‘Apostle of the Gentiles’, that is the non-Jews. He was martyred by beheading around 67. Both proclaim with their lives that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Feast of St Thomas, Apostle

Next Friday we celebrate the feast of St Thomas who is the quintessential example of the faith journey.

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands…I refuse to believe’…Then Jesus spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands…Doubt no longer but believe’. Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’

Thomas is the scientific type who has to examine the evidence for himself: only then is he prepared to commit himself. But the awakening of faith is not based on evidence alone. It is an inner movement of grace in the human spirit; it is the action of the Holy Spirit that dispels doubt and allows Thomas to express that wonderful faith response: ‘My Lord and my God’. This expression of faith is not based on the evidence he sees in front of him. Examining the evidence is part of his journey to faith but it does not bring about faith. Faith is a supernatural gift that is given to Thomas and the others. Thomas is believed to have preached the gospel in India, where he was martyred.

Ár nAthair

Ár n-Athair atá ar neamh,
Go naofar d’ainim,
Go dtaga do ríocht,
Go ndéantar do thoil ar an talamh mar a dhéantar ar neamh.
Ár n-arán laethúil tabhair dúinn inniu,
agus maith dúinn ár bhfiacha
mar a mhaithimidne dár bhféichiúna féin
Ach ná lig sinn i gcathú,
ach saor sinn ó olc,
Amen