January 28, St. Thomas Aquinas 

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.— Psalm 37:39

Mass Readings: Hebrews 10:32-39 / Mark 4:26-34 

The Angelic Doctor 

Today is the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), perhaps the greatest Catholic theologian and philosopher. His writings have shaped the way Christians understand the nature of God, the Trinity, sacraments, ethics, and many other matters. There are 33 doctors of the Church. Thomas is “the Angelic” doctor. 

Toward the end of his life, Thomas had a mystical vision that shook him profoundly. He did not want to resume his intellectual work because, he said, “all that I have written seems like straw to me.” The story reminds us that at the heart of our faith is the mystery of God. It can’t be explained in ideas, even the ideas of the most brilliant minds. It must be grasped in our hearts. 

Prayer: Father, open the eyes of my heart to see Your glory.