St Thomas in the Holy Scripture: “Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”” (St Matthew 8:21; NKJV).

Below is an excerpt from a Malayalam article by the venerable (late) MC Kuriakose Rambachan- the author of many illustrious literary works.

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Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”” (St Matthew 8:21; NKJV).

Some commentators are of the opinion that this question was asked by St Thomas. Lord Jesus Christ was preparing to leave Capernaum and cross the Sea (of Galilee). St Thomas was attracted to the teachings of Christ and became His adherent. A question popped up in his mind- ‘whether to follow Christ immediately or should he do that after bidding final farewell to his father’? And that is how he asked the question- “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” The multitude following Jesus was content with seeing Him and hearing with what He preached. However, the blessed apostle's focus was firmly set on Christ and his heart entrenched with His divine instructions. (While listening to our Lord’s preaching) the apostle developed a thought about leading a life of sacrifice- renouncing everything for Christ’s sake. Let the readers contemplate that having such thoughts is the first step for living a hope filled life.

It is good to have a desire to live a life of sacrifice but one should be wary about thinking too much (or excessively scrutinizing such desire). The latter is dangerous and acts as a deterrent. We have noted this from the experience of many people.

One should trust in God and take the ‘leap of faith’ when being inclined to renounce everything for Christ. Leave the future to God. The Psalmist implores- “O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed” (Psalm 25:2). If we have that faith and longing expressed by the Psalmist, then we will not be put to shame.

Lord Jesus Christ’s response to the disciple’s question was thus- “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (St Matthew 8:22).

Once they have set their mind to serve the Church, many young men have doubts like- should I get ordained or not? Should I marry or lead a celibate life? There are faithful, who having decided to offer financial contribution to the church, keep on delaying the date for giving the offering.

A delay in working upon godly desires only prevents us in experiencing the virtue of sacrifice.

St Thomas was in two minds- his heart had a great longing to follow Christ, but at the same time, thoughts about his duties as a son also took birth in his mind. (Upon hearing Christ’s response) St Thomas took the ‘leap of faith’. He didn’t resort to excessive thinking- calculating the pros and cons of following Christ, and that is why the former thought process (about following Christ) won over the latter (waiting till he has completed obligations towards his father).

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O Lord Jesus Christ, by the prayers and intercession of our patron saint- St Thomas the Apostle, may our hearts be receptive to your teachings and be strengthened to be able to respond promptly to godly inspirations.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Reference: Translated from the Malayalam article- 'Mar Thoma Shleeha, Malankara Sabha, July issue, 1949.

Picture: (Late) MC Kuriakose Rambachan with His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Bava Thirumeni (of blessed memory) and His Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios Metropolitan (of blessed memory)/Pampady Thirumeni.