“The disbelief of Thomas has been more beneficial to our faith than the faith of all the disciples, because while he, by touching, is restored to faith, our spirit is confirmed in it, setting aside all doubt,” the doctor of the Church explained.
St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom, a doctor of the Church and the patron saint of preachers, pointed out that Christ, seeking to save Thomas’ soul, appeared to him showing him his wounds. But he emphasized that this did not happen immediately, but eight days later so that “his desire was more inflamed and he was more faithful from then on.”
The saint also pointed out that the incorruptible body of the resurrected Christ kept the marks of the nails “to show them that it was the same body that had been crucified.”
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, another doctor of the Church, observed in a sermon that Christ took up Thomas’ challenge “not only for him but also for those who were going to deny the true flesh of the Lord.”