The faithful zeal of St Thomas the Apostle, standing before Mazdai, the king of the Tamil country, to be judged, is vividly portrayed in the Acts of Thomas in these words: “Then the people ran after them in order to set Thomas free. But the soldiers were with him, holding spears on either side. Then Thomas said: ‘Until the final moment of departure from this world, the mysteries are being fulfilled in me. You do not allow me to know the abundance of his grace or physical suffering. Behold, they surround me with weapons and fight against me unto death. Yet I have been given over for the sake of my Lord.’ One of the soldiers took Thomas by the hands and led him forward. Thomas said: ‘I await him. Let me receive him. Since our Lord is one, he was struck by the hands of one.”

Then the Apostle encouraged the faithful: “When he climbed the mountain where he was destined to be killed, he said to those who were holding him: ‘Listen to me, for my departure from this world is near. Do not allow the eyes of your hearts to become blind. May your ears not become so closed that they can never hear. Believe in this God whom I proclaim. Do not act according to the hardness of your hearts. Instead, practise every virtue that gives life with God, human dignity and freedom.’”

Then the Apostle said to Vizan: “Son of the earthly king Mazdai, servant of Jesus Christ, allow these servants to carry out the will of their king Mazdai. Let me go and pray.” In accordance with the king’s request, the soldiers allowed Thomas to go. Thomas went and prayed thus: “My Lord, my God, my hope, my Saviour, my companion who guided me through all the lands I have crossed in your name, dwell with your servants. Lead me also to come to you. For I completely entrust my soul to you. No one shall take it away from your hands. May my sins not hinder me. Behold, by doing your will, I have become a slave for the freedom I receive today. Lord Jesus, grant it to me. Fulfil it in me. For I have no doubt whatsoever about your truth or your love. Yet I speak these words to you so that those standing around me may hear them.”

Rev. Dr. James Puliurumpil