Thomas, the DOCTOR

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1274 A.D.) was a great compiler of Christian Thought, non-original in thought and consequently, the VOICE of CATHOLIC ORTHODOXY (please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas). And, today, January 28, 2008, on the Roman Catholic Calendar, is the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, DEFENDER of CATHOLIC ORTHODOXY.

So, why venerate a scholar?

Usually, the media will seek out the Mother Teresa types who lovingly care for the poor, the orphan, et al.

Usually, nature lovers (LIKE MYSELF!!!) will look to St. Francis of Assissi and contemplate the splendors of creation (apparently, St. Francis even preached the Gospel to a flock of birds who listened attentively to St. Francis' words about how they were to be grateful to their Creator . . .).

BUT, why honor a 'scholar'?

Well, the answer is simple. Jesus Christ called all types of people to be saints.

Some, like the physician St. Luke, set down an orderly account of the Gospel, complete with the radical reversal of so-called 'power structures' in which prostitutes and tax collectors suddenly were 'in' while the scribes and pharisees were 'out' of power.

Others, like St. Peter the Apostle were MIGHTY in FAITH, and did not possess a formal education, but instead were men who worked with their hands!

Finally, others were the very young, such as St. Therese de Lisieux (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thérèse_de_Lisieux) who, like St. Thomas was a Doctor of the Church, but only lived to be 24 years old!!!

Miracles, signs and wonders to this day are attributed to this young French woman who lived a short life, but a life of complete love, love for God and love for others . . .

BUT, why honor a 'scholar'?

Most scholars I know (myself at times . . .) are arrogant, haughty and self-preserving (not very Christ-life I know . . . MEA CULPA, MEA CULPA). But, when the LORD Almighty, Yahweh humbles we intellectuals, then yes, even we can be used to the Glory of God!

So, read up on old St. Thomas!

Maybe, for any fellow scholars we too can humbly follow in his footsteps!

Love in Christ, Rob