January 28 2025 - St. Thomas Aquinas - Outstanding in the study of sacred doctrine

 Today we celebrate the great Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas. He 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; if you ever read Thomas’ theology, you will find he is very clear and understandable.  Like the angels, He is full of the praise of God. 

In our seminary formation for the priesthood, we were emersed in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas more than any other philosopher or theologian. His writings have been extolled by Popes. At the Council of Trent, as the bishops gathered, they placed two books upon a pedestal to guide the deliberations of the Council Fathers—the Holy Scriptures, and the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas.

If you want to learn how to think about God, read Thomas Aquinas. I know many people who like to take a little daily dose of Thomas; like taking a knife to a whetstone, a little Thomas every day keeps the mind sharp and the soul directed toward God.

Pope St. John XXII, speaking about St. Thomas, said before his canonization that “his life was saintly and his doctrine could only be miraculous … because he enlightened the church more than all the other doctors. By the use of his works a man could profit more in one year than if he studies the doctrine of others for his whole life.”

Thomas is a doctor of the Church, “outstanding” as we prayed in the collect, “in his study of sacred doctrine” meaning all of us, do well to study his teachings. And yet, Thomas would be the first to admit, in the words of the Gospel, there is but one teacher, one who as the true authority to teach what is right and wrong. We simply do our best to understand and adhere to the teaching of the master. But Thomas certainly helps us, lesser intellects, to do just that.

St. Thomas helps us to put our lives in order, to see the things of the world and the things of God as they are, he teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God, that the highest wisdom comes from sitting at the feat of God, kneeling in front of the presence of God for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

 

That all Church leaders will faithfully proclaim Christ’s love and truth to the world.

During this Catholic Schools week, we pray that our parish families and the families of all of our school children will all seek to grow in the Truth of Christ in believing, following, and cherishing the Word of God. And for the students, teachers, staff, and alumni of St. Ignatius of Antioch School and all of our Catholic Schools.

For the grace to grow in wisdom, knowledge, prudence, and understanding, and put these gifts into practice in our daily lives.

For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord