Thomas' conviction must now be ours

At Christmas we hear of a virgin birth, and of a multitude of angels. These things are extraordinary, and we might be tempted to be skeptical, even  though they are proclaimed by the word of God. So we have Thomas the skeptic, who was convinced when he inspected the evidence of the risen Christ. See how merciful is God, for instead of condemning us for our doubts, he bolsters our faith with more evidence. Not only so, but he commands that Thomas' hand be placed into his side. So now we have the sacraments also to bolster our faith, for blood and water had come out of that side, elements of the Sacrament of the Altar and of Baptism, and now also we see that Thomas' blessed hand was in that side, so that now he may bless with it, according to his office. And that same office, given down through  the ages by the laying on of hands also gives us men who lay  their hands on the sick, the penitent, and  the weary. All to bolster and convince our faith. Sermon for  St. Thomas. The video is here.