Memorial of Saint
Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
(Hebrews 10;19-25,
Mark 4:21-25)
Of all the theologians
in history few have left a mark quite as indelible as St. Thomas Aquinas. He is like the lampstand that Jesus speaks of
in today’s gospel. Set on him, Jesus,
the light of the world, is made visible to guide the people.
Thomas was born into a
noble Italian family. There was little
doubt that he would become a priest. But
he left behind family influence which would have him become a Benedictine
abbot. He followed the Lord’s calling
into the Dominican Order. There he was
tutored by St. Albert the Great. Surpassing the brilliance of his mentor,
Thomas became a master teacher in Paris.
His opus magnus, the Summa Theologiae, synthesizes
Aristotle and Augustine and other prominent thinkers. But its first and foremost sourcebook is the
Scriptures. Thomas interprets the
Scriptures thoroughly, consistently, and perceptively.
Unfortunately, reading
Thomas presents a challenge. Although
his Latin is not intricate, the words in his time often have different meanings
than in the classical period or today.
Also, the scholastic format seems redundant and abstract. But taking pains to read Thomas gives the
reader an exalted appreciation of both faith and whom faith reveals, the Lord God.
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