After lunch, we spent a good bit of the day being introduced to one of India’s national treasures: St. Thomas, the Apostle. You remember St. Thomas… he was the guy who is often called “Doubting Thomas” for his “lack of faith”, but who also was among the first after Jesus’ resurrection to proclaim “My Lord and my God” upon meeting the risen Savior. Based on what most people can piece together, Thomas left Jerusalem after Pentacost and made his way to what is now present day India in about 52 AD. For the better part of 2 decades, he proclaimed Jesus as Lord in this country, and was eventually killed by local rulers for that proclamation in about 72 – 75 AD.
There are 3 spots in Chennai that are significant to where the apostle functioned, and we got to see all three of them. They are outlined as follows:
St. Thomas Mount: There is a small Catholic church and convent built on the spot where Thomas was finally killed at the point of a spear on top of a small mountain that overlooks the city of Chennai (and now is remarkably close to the international airport). Pictures here include the inside of the chapel erected over the site of the murder, and feature an icon supposedly given to Thomas by the apostle Luke, a relic of Thomas (a vacuum sealed cross that contains a bone fragment of Thomas), and a cross carved by Thomas.
St. Thomas “Little” Mount: While being hunted, Thomas took refuge in a small cave for several days. There is now also a large church built over the cave, as well as a well that has given water for the better part of two thousand years. According to legend, when Thomas needed water, he struck the rocks of the cave with his staff and, the rest is hydro-history.
Santhome Cathedral: One of three of the world's cathedrals built over the bones of an apostle is in Chennai, India. Santhome Cathedral is about 5 miles from both the Mount and the Little Mount, and is a beautiful structure constructed largely out of white marble.
6 comments:
We are following your work on the blog, and praying for you each day. God is using your lives! Thanks for the updates. Greetings to Raj and Prema and Anand. Jim and Barbara
Now you are bringing back memories. I remember sitting on the wall and talking to the caretaker at Little Mount while Anna played on the steps.
It still is mind blowing that St. Thomas made it all the way there without the advantage of trains or planes.
Keep up the good work and make sure everyone stays hydrated.
Ryan
I'd love to see "Tent City" per Dan's call last night! I hope everyone has caught up on their rest...watching daily...some times hourly:-) Blessings! Happy New Year ya'll!!!
Hey Shelley and Jenn!
Great to see your sweet faces! You are all in our prayers! Happy New Year!
FRIENDS!!!!! You guys are awesome. Thanks for putting your faith into action. I can't wait to hear everyone's stories when you get back. I'm praying for all of you.
I ran across this quote from George Verver today:
"We need a constant work of the Holy Spirit. I often tell the story about D.L. Moody who would emphasize the need to be filled with the Spirit again and again. One day when asked, 'Mr. Moody, why do you keep saying we have to be filled again and again?' he replied, 'because I leak'. Thank God for free refills!"
Drink deep you guys!
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