St Thomas Aquinas joined the recently formed Dominican order at the age of 31 and went on to become one of its most famous sons.
Although his family tried to stop him he went on to study in Paris where he excelled in his studies. Even though he was quite shy, his teachers soon saw his potential.
He went on to teach theology in Paris and Rome developing a reputation as a fierce debater and skilled writer.
He is credited with many mystical experiences and even some miracles.
He died having left the Church a systematic version of its teaching, Summa theologica, that has never been bettered and is admired even by those who do not believe in Christ.
1225: Born in Aquino, Italy
1244: Entered the Dominicans
1274: Died in Fossanova
Quote
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary.
St Thomas Aquinas
To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
Today’s Scripture
Matthew 17: New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised
14 When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, 15 and said, ‘Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.’ 17
Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you?
How much longer must I put up with you?
Bring him here to me.’ 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not cast it out?’ 20
He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith.
For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,
“Move from here to there”, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’
Thought for the Day
Faith means to know that God is on your side, and you are on his.