The cultural idiom “Doubting Thomas” is a reference to Saint Thomas the Apostle. It refers to a faith struggle for Saint Thomas that occurred prior to his exchange with the Risen Jesus.
Saint Thomas was one of the Twelve (Mt 10:3, Acts 1:13). In John’s gospel we learn that he is also called Didymus/Twin (Jn 20:24). Prior to the raising of Lazarus, Thomas said (although scholars still debate how to interpret it), “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (Jn 11:16). During Holy Week he responded to Jesus’ explanation of things with a bit of that doubt he is known for. “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” To which Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:5, 6).
It is after the resurrection that we find why he is associated with doubt. He heard from his brethren that Jesus was risen and had appeared to them. Saint Thomas doubted this. “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25). The next week Jesus appeared to them again, and this time Doubting Thomas was present. Jesus, knowing his doubts, initiated a conversation with Thomas. “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe” (Jn 20:28). He believed and responded with “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20:28), a phrase that some pray at Mass during the consecration. Jesus then asked, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (Jn 20:29). This is the lengthiest scene of Saint Thomas in the Scriptures; no wonder he is associated with doubt, although he is more than a doubter. He came to believe and testified to that belief with his life as a martyr. Pope Gregory the Great even taught that the event caused by his doubted ended up being a blessing for future generations of Christians.
Thomas' unbelief has benefited our faith more than the belief of the other disciples; it is because he attained faith through physical touch that we are confirmed in the faith beyond all doubt. Indeed, the Lord permitted the apostle to doubt after the resurrection; but He did not abandon him in doubt. By his doubt and by his touching the sacred wounds the apostle became a witness to the truth of the resurrection. -Pope Saint Gregory the Great
We must remember that Doubting Thomas is Saint Thomas, and his feast day is July 3rd. Saint Thomas the Apostle, pray for us.
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