Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Memorial)
Christ has appeared . . . to take away sin by his sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:26)
Why did Jesus have to suffer and die for us? Couldn’t God have saved us without such a heavy sacrifice?
Many have asked that question over the centuries, including St. Thomas Aquinas, whose feast it is today. A Doctor of the Church, Aquinas revolutionized the Church’s understanding of its teaching. His works are still studied in seminaries around the world. He is admired both for his brilliance as well as his humility, and his spiritual life has become a model for believers everywhere. Building on the work of earlier saints like Augustine and Jerome, Aquinas found a way to explain the great mysteries of our faith to people at a time when other philosophies and teachings were gaining ground.
So how did Aquinas answer the question above? By telling us that Jesus had to die not only “as a remedy for sin,” but also “as an example” for us. Here is how he explained it:
“If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. . . . If Christ gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake.
“If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when we patiently suffer much, or when we suffer things we are able to avoid but don’t avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently. . . .
“If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.
“If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. . . .
“If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings. . . . He was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink.”
Today, spend some time gazing at a crucifix. Think of all the ways Jesus has shown you how to live. Then ask God for the grace to give your life in service of other people—just as his Son did.
“Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me how to live in your grace.”
Psalm 98:1-6
Mark 3:22-30
