Readings
I - Heb. 11: 1-2, 8-19
II - Mk. 4: 35-41
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (Memorial)
Thomas Aquinas was born near Aquino, around the year 1225, was the youngest of at least nine children. He was born of a wealthy family. Thomas began his education at Monte Cassino and because of the conflict between Emperor Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX reached the abbey, he was enrolled in napels for his studies. He met John of St. Julian, a Dominican preacher, who influenced him to join the founded Dominican Order. At the university, Thomas was introduced to his philosophical influences viz. Aristotle, Averroes and Maimonides. Thomas was quiet and seldom spoke at the university, that made other students presume that he was dull headed, but Mangus prophetically said, "You call him the dumb ox, but in his teaching, he will one day produce such a bellowing that it will be heard throughout the world." While teaching at the university, Thomas wrote his most famous work, Summa theologiae (summary of Theology), written in 1266-1273, is a compendium of all the approved teachings of the Catholic Church. It was instructional guide for teachers and novices. During this prayer, Christ is said to have told him, "You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labor?" Thomas replied, "Nothing but you, Lord." Following this apparition, Thomas never wrote or spoke of it. He abandoned his routine. When he was begged to return to work, he replied, "I cannot, because all that I have written seems like straw to me." After receiving his last rites, he prayed, "I receive Thee, ransom of my soul. For love of Thee have I studied and kept vigil, toiled, preached and taught..." He was canonised by Pope John XXII on July 18, 1323. When Pope Pius V declared Saint Thomas a doctor of the church, he said, Thomas was "the most brilliant light of the Church."
In today’s Gospel passage Jesus calms the sea. With great windstorm and breaking waves, the disciples were terrified and would’ve definitely felt helpless and drowning in spirit. The chaos in the sea confused the disciples, shattering their faith and trust in Jesus, in spite of witnessing all wonderful and miraculous acts performed by Him. This is why, to the Lord of Life, they cried out saying, “Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?” because they saw Jesus, sleeping in peace, unperturbed in the boat. The saint of the day is a great example for faith. His great works were after his great faith. When troubles interrupt we tend to waver in faith. May the saint of the day help us stand steadfast in our faith as we invoke him praying: “St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.”
