The theology of Thomas Aquinas in 10 simple quotes
Learn to love the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas in 10 simple quotes
The esteemed Dominican theologian St. Thomas Aquinas was canonized 700 years ago, on July 18, 1323, by Pope John XXII. In honor of St. Thomas’s feast day, which is celebrated on Jan. 28, here are 10 quotes to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the theology of this Doctor of the Church.
1. Regarding the essence of companionship
“It is inherent in friendship that it is not unnoticed; otherwise, it would not constitute friendship, but simply goodwill. For a genuine and strong friendship, the friends require a reciprocal affection for one another; this reciprocity renders it genuine and robust. Our Lord, wishing for perfect friendship among his followers and disciples, imparted this command of mutual love: whoever reveres the Lord aligns his friendship properly (cf. Sir 6:17).”
— Analysis of the Gospel of John, c. 13, l. 7
2. The suffering of Christ was the most appropriate means of freeing us from sin.
“That individual was saved through the suffering of Christ, and numerous other factors, in addition to freedom from sin, contributed to humanity’s salvation. Firstly, an individual becomes aware of how deeply God cares for him, which encourages a reciprocal love for God, and this represents the fulfillment of human salvation; thus, the apostle states: ‘God commendeth His charity towards us; for when as yet we were sinners … Christ died for us’ (Rom 5:8).”
— Summa Theologiae, III, q. 46, a. 3
3. Is the mercy of God in conflict with justice? Absolutely not!
“God demonstrates mercy, not by contradicting His justice, but by performing acts that exceed justice; thus, a person who compensates another with 200 pieces of money, despite only being indebted 100, does not violate justice but acts generously or compassionately. The situation is similar for someone who forgives an offense directed at him, for in pardoning it, he can be considered to offer a gift. Therefore, the Apostle refers to remission as forgiveness: ‘Forgive one another, as Christ has forgiven you’ (Eph 4:32). Therefore, it is evident that mercy does not undermine justice; rather, it represents its entirety in a certain manner. Thus, it is stated: ‘Mercy exalteth itself above judgment’ (Jas 2:13).”
— Summa Theologiae, I. q. 21, a. 3, ad. 2
4. Requesting aid from God versus requesting assistance from the saints
“Prayer is directed toward an individual in two manners: first, as something to be granted by him, and secondly, as something to be received through him. In the first manner, we direct our prayer solely to God, as all our supplications should aim for the attainment of grace and glory, which only God provides, as stated in Psalm 83:12, ‘The Lord will bestow grace and glory.’ In the second manner, we petition the saints, whether they be angels or humans, not so that God may through them receive our requests, but rather that our supplications may gain efficacy through their prayers and merits. Consequently, it is noted (Apocalypse 8:4) that ‘the smoke of the incense,’ which signifies ‘the prayers of the saints, ascended before God.’ This is further evident from the specific language utilized by the Church in prayer: as we implore the Blessed Trinity ‘to have mercy on us,’ while we request any of the saints ‘to intercede for us.’”
— Summa Theologiae, II-II, q. 83, a. 4
5. What was the reason Jesus did not author a book?
“It was appropriate that Christ refrained from documenting His teachings. Firstly, due to His stature: the more superior the educator, the more refined should be his means of instruction. Therefore, it was suitable for Christ, being the most outstanding of instructors, to embrace the method of teaching that etches His teachings into the souls of His listeners; hence it is recorded (Mt 7:29) that ‘He was teaching them with authority.’ Consequently, among the Gentiles, figures like Pythagoras and Socrates, who were remarkable educators, chose not to write anything down. For written works are intended, in a certain way, for the purpose of embedding teachings in the hearts of those who hear.”
— Summa Theologiae, III, q. 42, a. 4
6. It is instinctive to acknowledge the existence of God.
“An understanding that God exists, albeit in a vague and generalized manner, is inherent to our nature, since God represents the ultimate happiness for humanity. Humans inherently seek joy, and what is inherently sought after by mankind must also be inherently recognized by them. However, this does not equate to a complete knowledge of God’s existence; similar to recognizing that someone is coming does not equate to knowing that Peter is coming, even when it is indeed Peter who is approaching. Many people believe that true happiness, which is the ultimate good for humanity, lies in wealth, while others believe it resides in pleasures, and others in alternative pursuits.”
— Summa Theologiae, I, q. 2., a. 1, ad. 1
7. Divine providence guides everything and assigns us a part in his purpose.
“Two aspects pertain to providence — specifically, the nature of the order of circumstances predetermined towards an outcome; and the implementation of this order, referred to as governance. Concerning the first aspect, God exercises immediate providence over all things, because He possesses in His intellect the archetypes of everything, even the tiniest; and whatever causes He designates to specific effects, He bestows upon them the capability to bring about those effects. Thus, it follows that He possesses beforehand the archetype of those effects within His mind. Regarding the second aspect, there exist certain intermediaries of God’s providence; for He governs lesser things through greater, not due to any insufficiency in His power, but rather because of the overflow of His goodness; so that the dignity of causation is granted even to creatures.”
— Summa Theologiae, I, q. 22, a. 3
8. The Beatitudes represent the essence of joy
“Currently, it should be observed that numerous aspects are documented here regarding the Beatitudes; however, it is impossible for anyone to articulate the Lord’s words so adeptly that they would fulfill the Lord’s intent. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that all true happiness is encompassed within these expressions: for every person seeks happiness, yet they vary in their perceptions of happiness, and for this reason, some individuals pursue this, while others pursue that.”
— Analysis of the Gospel of Matthew, c. 5, l. 2
9. A song of adoration for the Eucharist
“Divinity concealed here, whom I revere,”
Concealed by these stark silhouettes, form and nothing further,
Behold, Lord, at your command humbly rests a heart,
Lost, entirely lost in awe at the God you are.
“Beholding, feeling, savoring are in you misled:”
How does reliable hearing speak? That shall be trusted;
What the Son of God has revealed to me, I accept as truth;
Truth itself expresses what is true, or there is no truth at all.”
— From Adoro te Devote, translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins, Jesuit
10. On heaven
“The desire of the saints to understand that all desires will be satisfied simply by their beheld experience of God: similarly, their yearning to acquire all good things will be fulfilled through their union with God. For as God fulfills the hearts due to His infinite goodness, and in possessing Him we essentially possess all goods, the sight of Him also satisfies the mind: ‘Lord, reveal to us the Father and it is sufficient for us’ (Jn 14:8).
— Summa Theologiae, Suppl., q. 92, a. 3, ad. 7
