HOLY DAYS - 3 JULY - ST THOMAS

According to several early writers, the Apostle Thomas travelled to India. Many Christians in the majority Christian state of Kerala believe their ancestors were baptised by Thomas in AD 52. Hundreds of Kerala churches are dedicated to St Thomas and Thomas is a hugely popular boy’s name.

Indian Christianity was so well established by AD 325 that the First Council of Nicaea had at least one delegate from the Indian Church. “John the Persian, Bishop of all Persia and great India” is recorded as having been present at the First Council of Nicea.

Our cover picture is a painting by René Magritte. An open door stands in a dimly lit, greyish foreground. The space around the door feels flat and colourless and subdued. But through the doorway, a different world is revealed: a glowing, golden light pours in from beyond, illuminating the threshold with warmth and life.

From shadow to light, from dullness to brilliance, the image beautifully mirrors the invitation of the Gospel: “Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” The painting suggests that while the world we inhabit may at times feel heavy or uninspired, just beyond the threshold lies something radiant, something better.

1600 years ago, Europe’s top scholar was an Italian called Jerome; he loved the works of Cicero. One night he dreamt that he had died, and reached the gates of heaven. The gate-keeper spoke to him: ‘Who are you? “Christianus sum.” replied Jerome. “I’m a Christian.” “No.” said the gatekeeper. “You’re not a Christian. You’re a Ciceronian.” He went on to explain: “In heaven we judge people by what they were most, when they lived on earth. And you dedicated everything to the classics and the works of Cicero. So, we judge you not to be a Christian, but a Ciceronian. You cannot enter.”

Jerome woke with a start, and made his resolve. Not only did he begin truly to follow Christ, but he turned his very considerable academic ability to translating the Bible into the common language of Europe; Latin. It took him years. His translation became known as the Vulgate version. That Bible served Europe for a thousand years. With the Bible’s message becoming the foundation of European civilisation, its culture became united. Once we take Christianity and the Bible out of Europe all that we are left with is a bunch of squabbling tribes. It’s time for Europe - like Jerome - to wake up again.

pollybrown@mottramparish.org.uk

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