"Let us also go, that we may die with him." - John 11:16
Jesus wanted to go to Bethany near Jerusalem where jews were waiting to kill him. Thomas volunteered to accompany Jesus even to death and encouraged his fellow brethren to dare so.
St. Thomas is generally famous as the doubting Thomas, because he said that he will not beleive about the resurrection, until he see jesus with his eyes (John 20:25). Some people find this as a negative mark on St. Thomas, because Jesus said "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Many church fathers maintain that Thomas’ declination to beleive was the outcome of his sincere urge to see the resurrected Jesus. But the doubting nature is revealed in other occassions also. During the last supper (John 14:5) Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?", when Jesus mentioned about heavenly homes.
Skepticism is common among human beings. But Thomas was simple enough not to hide his doubts and he was never hypocratic. Once he got the answer from Jesus, he always reinforced himself in faith. It is noteworthy that Thomas is also described as the first christian (based on Rom. 10:10) since he was the first to state "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).
The statement in John 11:16, clears any doubts regarding the tenacity of St. Thomas. No one at that time would have ever thought of 'martyrdom'. It was instinctive of the simple human being in Thomas, to be with his master, even in the acutest of troubles. It is also curious to note that St. Thomas chose the most farther and dangerous places for his mission works.
Let the memory of that saint help us to reinstate us in our faith and loyalty.
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