We love to remember our anniversaries of people and events. To remember is to mentally reassemble images and make present again what things once were. Today, we remember a truly enlightened, humble and remarkable man, St. Thomas Aquinas, born exactly 800 years ago. His 49 years of life were lived in the 13th century (1225-1274). The thoughts he placed in his famous writing of the Summa Theologica continue to live and instruct us about the great mysteries of God and how we can best think about and act in Christian life. He also left us beautiful hymns, especially about the Holy Eucharist. He died on March 7 (usually during Lent), but his feast day was moved to today’s date so as to not coincide with Lent— to celebrate Thomas with his own day for remembrance.
Today, may we read or sing some thoughts of St. Thomas Aquinas, to remember and appreciate this most brilliant and holy man of God.
St. Thomas's treasure was not any of his accomplishments - not his fame or his wisdom -but his deep desire to see the face of Christ. In the end, St. Thomas Aquinas understood that every gift pales in comparison to knowing the giver himself.
Thank you Fr. James for this reflection. Today is also my dad’s birthday, who is in Heaven with St. Thomas! He was also a wonderful and remarkable man. I miss him every day. How fitting that my son Cooper received a job offer today on his Grandfather’s birthday!!!! I’m so thrilled. Praying for the soul of my friends Brian (cancer) and Rohit (not sure) who both passed away recently. Lifting Ken post-surgery and Jessi in her travels. Also, asking God for continued healing of Garrett. Lastly, Lord shine light on the path for all those in our country that are living in turmoil, upheaval and fear. Make their way clear. Amen.
Fr. James as always your words are of great wisdom. Thank you. Wouldn't it be great to know how all these wonderful people of faith would view our world today? Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Help us to spread his love through all this weary world. Please pray with me and add to your prayers for the Holy Spirit to enter the hearts of our world leaders and bring this world into a God fearing world with Love, Peace, Hope and Faith!
Storming I like to think that the saints would view the world today the way we do! If only I could/would respond in kind as well. With increased focus, diligence and purity. I am working on it. I am not there but on my way.
AMEN!
*** Before Jesus in Hebrews 10:1, "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming. It is not the real things themselves. The same sacrifices have to be offered over and over again. They must be offered year after year. That’s why the law can never make perfect those who come near to worship!" *** After Jesus in Hebrews 10:9-10, "Then He (Jesus) said, “Here I am. I have come to do what You (God the Fahter) want.” He did away with the shadow of the good things that were coming. He did it to put in place the good things themselves. We have been made holy by what God wanted. We have been made holy because Jesus Christ offered His body once and for all time!" *** Now in Hebrews 10:21-24, "We also have a great priest (Jesus) over the house of God. So let us come near to God with a sincere heart. Let us come near boldly because of our faith. Our hearts have been sprinkled. Our minds have been cleansed from a sense of guilt. Our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The God Who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works!" ******* Amen!!! Imitate Jesus in Ephesians 5:1-2, "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God!"
Amen.
Amen!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those who have been hurt, killed and impacted by terrorist attacks. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
jane this is a great prayer I look forward to reading and saying it. Frank I hear your prayers and top you one............to pray for the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of the new president and all his cabinet to lead this country with God in their hearts, peace, love and faith. :)
I also pray for the innocent, undocumented people of this country that are being needlessly terrorized and deported.
Amen...St. Thomas' greatness lives on after so many centuries...in our tiny islands of Trinidad and Tobago, there are at least 2 schools called St. Thomas Aquinas
I think Ken may have added this a while back...Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas: Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.
AMEN!!
Amen! Amen!
Amen!
Amen.....
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Thought it would be appropriate to post Thomas Merton’s “Pilgrim Prayer” since today’s theme is about doing God’s will. My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end…. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you, does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem lost in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen. Peace and all good to the LFF!