We are often hard on Saint Thomas, calling him "doubting Thomas". In reality, however, we are indebted to Thomas for adding important elements to our faith, as clearly revealed in Saint John's Gospel. The Nicene Creed which we recite at Mass is long and very theological, requiring a great deal of knowledge to understand it fully. Throughout the New Testament there are a number of Creeds, all of them short and lucid. Among them is Thomas' declaration of faith, his creed: "My Lord and my God." In some countries, this is the favourite acclamation after the consecration at Mass. It can always serve as an aspiration or short prayer.

We owe another debt to Thomas, for it was in response to him that Jesus gave us the Great Beatitude: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" - a beatitude developed further by Saint Peter in his First Letter.

When Jesus wished to return to Bethany at the death of Lazarus, Thomas declared "Let us go, too, and die with him. That sounds a bit cynical perhaps, but it possibly indicates that Thomas suddenly realized what "carrying your cross" really meant.