Saint Thomas Aquinas: A Brilliant Mind Devoted to God
Introduction:
In the traditional Latin calendar, we commemorate the great Saint Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelic Doctor, who stands as one of the Church’s most renowned theologians. Born into a privileged family in the Kingdom of Naples during the thirteenth century, Aquinas’s intellectual prowess was evident from an early age. Despite the allure of worldly success, he desired above all to love and serve the Lord, leading him to seek entrance into the Dominican Order. His journey was not without challenges and opposition from his family, but Aquinas’s unwavering determination and profound devotion to God guided him throughout his life.
A Path of Perseverance:
Aquinas’s family, reluctant to see him embrace religious life, took drastic measures to prevent him from joining the Dominicans. His two brothers even kidnapped him and held him captive in their home for nearly two years. In their attempts to corrupt his soul, they subjected him to impure influences. However, Aquinas remained steadfast in his commitment to chastity and received a vision assuring him of perpetual virginity. This pivotal moment allowed him to break free from captivity and fully embrace his vocation as a Dominican friar.
A Towering Intellectual Legacy:
Blessed with remarkable intelligence, Aquinas held several teaching positions over the next decades, during which he wrote numerous books and essays. Among his extensive body of work, the Summa Theologiae stands out as his most renowned masterpiece. Aquinas’s brilliance was accompanied by true wisdom—a wisdom that was nourished by his deep prayer life and profound love for the Most Blessed Sacrament. His scholarly pursuits were always rooted in a genuine devotion to God and a desire to seek and understand the truth.
A Transcendent Encounter:
Towards the end of his life, Aquinas experienced a transformative vision in which God Himself spoke to him, saying, “Thou hast written well of me, Thomas; what reward wilt thou have?” In a moment reminiscent of King Solomon’s encounter with God, Aquinas humbly responded, “None other than Thyself, Lord.” This profound exchange illustrates Aquinas’s insatiable thirst for union with God—an aspiration that surpassed worldly wisdom and desired nothing less than complete communion with the Divine.
Emulating the Angelic Doctor:
As we contemplate the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas, let us draw valuable lessons from his example. In our present times, plagued by the errors warned of by Our Lady of Fatima, let us hold fast to the truth that guards us against the enemy’s deceptions. Rather than being consumed by self-centered concerns, let us prioritize our prayer life and strive to be in the presence of the Lord. He is our origin and our ultimate purpose, the One from whom we come and for whom we are made. Just as Aquinas sought refuge in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us turn to them, praying the Rosary and seeking solace and guidance in their loving embrace.
Conclusion:
Saint Thomas Aquinas’s life and teachings continue to inspire generations of believers. His unwavering commitment to truth, his intellectual brilliance combined with deep faith, and his unquenchable thirst for union with God serve as guiding lights on our own spiritual journey. As we reflect on his wisdom and devotion, may we too seek a mind to know God, a heart to seek Him, and wisdom to find Him. Let us strive for lives pleasing to the Lord, faithfully persevering in our pursuit of Him, and embracing the hope of finally uniting with Him for eternity.
If you appreciate our work and would like to provide ongoing support for the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, we encourage you to consider becoming a Servant of Mary. By doing so, you can make a difference and contribute to the cause. Visit the following link to learn more and join us in our mission: