Final answer:
Monks likely held Thomas in high esteem following his expression of faith and would have offered prayers for his soul as was customary for significant religious figures. Monks played an integral role in the spiritual life of their communities, frequently praying for the souls of the deceased.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feeling of monks towards Thomas after his death can be deduced from historical accounts and religious practices of the time. It is likely that the monks respected Thomas as a figure of significant religious importance, especially considering the events depicted in The Incredulity of Thomas from John 20:24-29. Following his initial doubt and eventual declaration of faith, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28), after the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas's transformation from skeptic to believer would have been highly regarded. Moreover, as with many important religious figures, monks would typically offer prayers for the deceased's soul as part of their monastic duties.
In the broader context, monks played a vital role in the spiritual and daily lives of communities during their time. They were responsible for praying for souls, as seen in the monks holding Buddhist masses for the souls of deceased soldiers to prevent them from becoming vengeful ghosts. Similarly, aristocrats built monasteries with the intention that monks would pray for their salvation, as shown in the various programs of images in these monasteries reflecting their hopes and fears. Overall, the interactions and beliefs surrounding Thomas and the monks who would have thought of him after his death are embedded in the spiritual customs and rituals of their time.