Page 6 - SJM SEP 2020_new2_Neat
P. 6
to be of little value.” He never finished his most
important work, the Summa Theologica. Instead he
began to prepare for his death. He died on March 7,
1274.
The Summa Theologica
The Summa Theologica remains the most illus-
trious work of this saint. Thomas wrote it as a
“manual of Christian doctrine for the use of stu-
dents.” It is a melding of Christian philosophy with
and exposition of theology. The Summa contains
38 Treatises, 612 Questions, which are subdivided
into 3,120 articles. About 10,000 objections are
proposed and answered.
The Summa is a well-ordered explanation of
the relationship between God and man. It explains
how man's reconciliation with the Divine is made
possible through Christ.
Model for Students
St. Thomas Aquinas is eminently worthy of
being a guide for students, both young and old, in
their studies. In his STUDIORUM DUCEM (On
St. Thomas Aquinas), Pope Pius XI said,
“. . . the studies to which our young
Vision of St Thomas Aquinas people devote themselves may, under
1593 the patronage of Aquinas, daily yield
Santi di Tito more and more fruit for the glory of God
Oil on panel
San Marco, Florence and the Church . . .”
The Ecstasies of St. Thomas Aquinas As a patron of students, St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas frequently experienced ecstasies, can help one to develop purity of mind and body
more so towards the end of his life. In one of these which encourages clarity in studies. He can provide
instances, in Naples, three companions saw him an example of a prayer life which provides bless-
lifted in ecstasy. They heard the voice of Jesus ings on reading and study. It is said that he never
coming from the crucifix on the altar. The voice began study without invoking prayer; and when
said, “Thou hast written well of me, Thomas; what something was particularly difficult to comprehend,
reward wilt thou have?” The humble friar replied, he added fasting to his prayer. (See page 2 of this
“None other than Thyself, Lord.” issue for A Prayer before Study)
In the year 1273, St. Thomas experienced St. Thomas Aquinas demonstrated that study
another profound ecstasy. The experience prompted and devotion are not incompatible, and that faith
Thomas to abandon writing any further. He told and reason are in harmony in learning. SJM
those who asked him why he would no longer write
that “I can do no more. Such secrets have been St. Thomas Aquinas, Light of the Church,
revealed to me that all I have written now appears pray for us.
4
