Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Heb 10:19-25; PS 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Mk 4:21-25
Wisdom of the Saints
Let the people proclaim the wisdom of the saints.
Saint Thomas Aquinas an amazing theologian in the line of scholasticism. His hallmark work Summa Theologica (theological summary) has made for great progress in Catholic theological development and the understanding of the relationship between God and man and the salvific economy.
In his eloquent ways he describes the entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way Christ opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh (Heb 10:19b-20).
But in the wrong hands…
Structural Failure
There was a certain hospital in town that was renowned for its amazing organization. Highly compartmentalized the hospital’s efficiency and ability to care for injury and illness was unsurpassed among all the hospitals in the world even.
One day a severely injured man appeared at the front door.
Bleeding profusely he presented himself.
- The attendant immediately said, “You have a bleeding wound, go to the door marked “BLEEDING”.
- The man proceeded down the hallway to find the door labeled “BLEEDING”.
- He entered and the new attendant immediately said, “You have a upper body wound, go to the door marked “UPPER BODY”.
- The man proceeded down the hallway to find the door labeled “UPPER BODY”.
- He entered and the new attendant immediately said, “You have a left arm wound, go to the door marked “LEFT ARM”.
- The man proceeded down the hallway to find the door labeled “LEFT ARM”.
- He entered and the new attendant immediately said, “You have a lower left arm wound, go to the door marked “LOWER LEFT ARM”.
- The man proceeded down the hallway to find the door labeled “LOWER LEFT ARM”.
- He entered and the new attendant immediately said, “You have a wrist wound, go to the door marked “WRIST WOUND”.
- But… in that section of the hospital there was no door labeled “WRIST WOUND”.
- So he found a door with no label and went through.
- …
- He found himself in the alleyway with no way back.
- And he died there.
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn
Quoting him regards Pope Francis, “He’s doing with the Church, and even beyond the Church, what Ignatius wanted to do with the Spiritual Exercises – to take a person where she is in her life, in her situation, and lead this person step-by-step with discernment to a full commitment to Christ.”
Gospel Today
Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.
FURTHER…
He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 