St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived in the 13th century, is considered the greatest theologian in Church history. He simply seemed to have a direct pipeline to the essence of the "mysteries" of God – and the gift of being able to translate what he perceived into clear and practical language! Indeed, he has been hailed as the "Angelic Doctor" from early on.
Thomas was born near Aquino in 1225. He was sent to Monte Casino – the headquarters of the Benedictine Monks to be educated. But he later decided to join the Order of Preachers (The Dominicans). He studied under Albert the great who predicted that "the lowing of this dumb ox (he was called that because of his physical size and seeming aimless dexterity) would be heard around the world." This prediction came to pass.
Thomas was on a mission to organize thought concerning God and the Church. It all seemed so easy and clear to him – because of the tremendous amount of inspiration he received from the Holy Spirit. He wrote twenty hefty volumes about God – including his unfinished "Summa Theologica" (Synthesis of Theology). He died, however, before finishing it.
Thomas was one who had an intense prayer life and great devotion to the Cross of Christ and to the Blessed Sacrament. These were the sources for his spiritual life and writings. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom today can certainly be applied to Thomas: "I prayed and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me…Now God grant I speak (and write) suitably and value these endowments at their worth!"
Thomas never took credit for any of his work! He knew that (from the gospel passage) there was only one Master and Teacher and that it was God! He sincerely humbled himself always; and God exalted him from the very beginning.
What strikes me about Thomas is that even though he had literally written proof of some of the greatest of all the mysteries of God and the Church – he said that his knowledge of these things "were like straw" compared to the actual experience of a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus – as Lord, as God, as Savior!
Yes, the words of Scripture and the homilies and the studies are very important: but unless they lead to and ignite a true and lasting personal relationship with Jesus as not only Lord, God and Savior – but I would add also: Brother and Friend – then they are useless.
St. Thomas Aquinas is patron saint of all universities and all students! We pray today for all institutes of learning that true and real values derived from the Divine Law: ethical and moral, may always be included in their curriculums.
Lord, teach me your statutes.
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