Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, priest, theologian and Doctor of the Church, who early in his studies earned the nickname “the Dumb Ox” due to rarely speaking. This “dumb ox,” according to Robert Ellsberg (author of Blessed Among Us), was not only declared a Doctor of the Church but also declared “prince and master of all Scholastic doctors” by Pope Leo XII. Today I am reflecting on the suggested readings for this Memorial, rather than the Ordinary weekday readings, as we remember this significant saint and servant of God who died before the age of fifty.
“I prayed and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.” This first verse from the first reading (Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16) seems very appropriate for Thomas Aquinas whose best-known, most influential work was the Summa Theologica (Summary of Theology). Interestingly, this work, called his “masterpiece” by some, was never completed. Not due to illness or death did Aquinas leave this work unfinished. Rather, it is said that Aquinas gave up his writing after an experience during mass one day about which he later explained, “All that I have written seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me.”
Thus, the gospel reading (Matthew 23:8-12) for this memorial seems aptly chosen as Jesus teaches about the importance of humility. “Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant.” And “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Although wise beyond most of our understanding, it seems that Thomas Aquinas came to know true Wisdom as the first reading poetically describes, “...all gold, in view of her, is as little sand, and before her, silver is to be counted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her…for (God) is the guide of Wisdom and the director of the wise. For both we and our words are in (God’s) hand….”
Through the intercession of St. Aquinas let us seek this true Wisdom, praying with today’s Psalm (119), “With all my heart I seek you…in the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches.” Amen.
~Eileen Miller