Homily: January 28 - Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelic Doctor

Saint Thomas Aquinas is called the angelic doctor for a number of reasons: he was simple like the angels—he had single-hearted devotion for service of God.  He was clear like angels, when you  read Thomas’ theology, you find he is very clear and understandable.  He is full of the praise of God, like the angels, and he is pure, he is free from distractions and passions.

There is an incident from Thomas’ life where Thomas was kidnapped by his own family because they didn’t want him to join what they considered a disreputable religious order of begging friars called the Dominicans.  They locked him in a tower and threw a prostitute in there with him.  But, he immediately resisted the temptation by taking a flaming firebrand out of the fire and chasing her out. According to the story, that night God sent two angels to Thomas and blessed him with supernatural fortitude which enabled him to remain celibate his entire life in service to the kingdom of God.  So he was totally free from passions, like the angels.

Chesterton once said, the angels are able to fly because they take themselves lightly.  In a sense, Thomas was able to fly; his mind certainly flew to the heights of the knowledge of God precisely because of his great humility.
You cannot read enough of Saint Thomas Aquinas.  And you would have a difficult time if you tried, again, not because it is hard reading, but because there is so much of it.

All seminarians preparing for the priesthood become very familiar with his teaching, and all of the faithful should be encouraged to seek to understand our faith to the best of their ability, so that they may give explanation of the faith to the best of their ability.  In 1880 Pope Leo XIII declared the angelic doctor patron of all Catholic schools.  

At the end of a life totally dedicated to serving the Church, while praying before a crucifix, a voice asked Thomas what reward he wanted for his labors.  He replied: “None but yourself, O Lord.”  

To echo our opening prayer: God made Saint Thomas outstanding in his zeal for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine, may we understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished for the glory of God and salvation of souls.