Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D. (28th January, 2016) on the Gospel and the Memorial
2Sam 7:18-19.24-29;
Ps 131:1-5.11-14 (R. Lk 1:32);Mk 4:21-25.
Tommaso d'Aquino (1225 – 7 March 1274) otherwise known as Saint
Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar and a Catholic priest who was an
immensely influential philosopher, theologian and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism,
within which he is also known as the "Doctor Angelicus" and
"Doctor Communis". Unlike many currents in the Church of the time, Thomas
embraced several ideas put forward by Aristotle—whom he called "the
Philosopher"—and attempted to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with the
principles of Christianity. Saint Thomas best known works are the Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles. His commentaries on Sacred Scripture and on Aristotle also form an
important part of his body of work. He is also distinguished for his
eucharistic hymns, which form part of the Church's liturgy. Saint Thomas Aquinas
is a Doctor of
the Church[1].
Topic: The lamp.
Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel that His teachings are not
meant to be hidden. Using the allegory of a lamp, they are to be placed on the
lamp-stand for others to see. He goes on to say that the standard one uses for
others will be used for the person and even more. More will be given to the
person who knows that he/she has because nobody is empty-handed, cf. 1Cor 12:7-11.
We celebrate Saint Thomas Aquinas today because he did not
hide the lamp. He placed it on the stand for all to see. Saint Thomas touched and
is still touching many aspects of human existence. Hence he is declared a Doctor
of the Church. It is important to note that it was not rosy for him. He had his
challenges especially from his noble family who even kidnapped him because they
considered his way of life as a dirt on the image of the family.
God expects all of us in various ways we can to help others
see the light of the gospel. He expects us to do to others exactly what and how
we want others to do to us, cf. Matt
7:12; Lk 6:31. Our duty is to
take the lamp, place it on the stand for others and using the right standard
for others.
Bible Reading: 2Tim 4:1-8.
Thought for today: Use the measure you want to be measured for you for
others.
Let us pray: God help us place the light of the
gospel on the stand for others to see through Christ – Amen.
Saint Thomas Aquinas – Pray for us.
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