Memorial of Saint Thomas of Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. (Saint Thomas Aquinas). These words open our reflection on sacred scripture today. We celebrate Saint Thomas, whose research marks most of church doctrine today. We celebrate a man who loved so much his God. Saint Peter Julian writes that Thomas Aquinas had written well, especially about the Blessed Sacrament; so, God said to him: ‘You have written well, Thomas, what reward do you want me to give you? No other than yourself, Lord.’

Today, the Lord is reminding us about our relationship with him. This is something we get through doing God’s will. This is easier said than done. However, reading the lives of outstanding people like Thomas, we realize how love and faith could keep us very close to God. Saint Thomas, out of faith and love, risked what seemed unusual. He brought the philosophies of Aristotle into the theology of the Church. He made the Church appreciate the place of the body and the soul.

With him, we now understand that we need this world in order to gain eternal life. We see that we cannot disassociate ourselves from the present life. We need to live well with one another to gain unending life.

Let Us Pray:

Merciful Father from Saint Thomas, we learn that you are the Supreme Good; grant that we may seek you above all and yearn to serve you above self. We ask this through Christ our Lord.