Apostles Window: St. Thomas

St. Thomas:  Blessed are they that have not
seen and yet have believed (John 20:29b)

 The last window on the East wall (farthest to the right) depicts St. Thomas, holding a carpenter's square.

The verse in the open book at his feet remind us of his best-known attribute -- doubting Thomas, who will not believe that Christ has risen until he sees Him in person.  To him, Christ says, 

"Have you believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29).

Tradition holds that St. Thomas was a missionary to India, where he built many churches.  Therefore, he holds a carpenter's (or architect's) square, to represent his missionary work in Southern Asia.  

There are a number of stories about St. Thomas' ministry and martyrdom in India, as well as some writings, including an apocryphal Acts of St. Thomas and a collection of stories about Jesus' childhood (The Infancy Gospel of Thomas).

His tomb is said to be in Santhome Church in Chennai, India.

His feast day is December 21.

The cross depicted in many churches dedicated to St. Thomas use a "Nasrani" or St. Thomas cross (see image below).  This cross is an empty cross, symbolizing the resurrection.  

St Thomas Cross
Source:  Wikimedia Commons

The dove above the cross symbolizes the Holy Spirit, while the cross rests on a lotus-shaped bowl which could represent the menorah (from the Jewish faith) or a lotus (from the Buddhist tradition), suggesting that Jesus' empty cross (the resurrection) surmounts or replaces the older religious faiths of the community.

Prayer (from the Lutheran Book of Worship):

Almighty and ever-living God, you have given great and precious promises to those who believe.  Grant us that perfect faith which overcomes all doubts, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.