Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor
January 28th, 2010
Mark 4 : 21 - 25
The word often mentioned in today”’s reading is the word listening. Jesus was very careful to warn us to consider very carefully how we hear. He often said to his Disciples; “You are the light of the world, always generous in attitude, merciful in heart and just in action.”
In Baptism we have received the light of Christ, so we should keep in mind his words: “Your light must shine in the sight of all, so that, seeing your good work, they may give the praise to your Father in Heaven.”
Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, who is often referred to as the Angelic Doctor. One of the greatest theologians, he is the patron of schools, universities and students.
Prayer
Prayer : God our Father, you sent your Spirit on your Church to begin the teaching of the Gospel. May the same Holy Spirit work in the world through the hearts of all who believe in you.
The prayer for each day has been prepared by various members of the Holy Family Association. All who visit our website are remembered in prayer. If you would like us to pray for a particular need, simply complete and submit the form on the right hand side of this page. You may wish to leave a comment in the space below.
Just a Thought
Hope
John XXIII, referred to as the ‘caretaker Pope’, realising the widening gap between the Church and the world of his day, wrote: “An old world is disappearing. Another one is being formed, and with this I am trying to conceal some good seed or other that will have its springtime, even if it is somewhat delayed, and comes after I’m dead.”
Thomas Merton writes: “One must not give in to defeatism and despair: just as one must hope for life in a mortal illness which has been declared incurable.”
Even when dark clouds surround us, even when everything appears to be falling apart, we must continue to believe for a better future. Whatever the problem, there is a way forward.
So, my hope is in God alone because I believe in him; this is my faith. It is in him I put my faith and that faith, my belief in God’s love for me and all his creation, is the bedrock in which like an anchor, I put my hope. Together with that hope and faith is my love and fidelity in responding to that God in whom I live and move and have my being. In him I place my hope.
“Hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul” (Heb 6:15-19).
