We wouldn’t anticipate St. Thomas to seek notoriety or wealth, but he may have requested that his theological works be esteemed in the utmost way. More honorably perhaps, he could have requested greater insight, similar to Solomon, or moral excellence, to be counted among the righteous. Still, St. Thomas, modest and pious, spoke solely these words: “Only You, Lord.” In that straightforward response, we observe true holiness: a spirit that yearns for God more than anything else.

‘Assist me in yearning solely for you, Lord’

Today marks the end of the special Jubilee of St. Thomas organized by the Dominican Order. Throughout Advent, we successfully arranged a tour in the Northeast, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects to the significant relics of St. Thomas. The response for the tour truly touched me. At each site, thousands of worshippers knelt in prayer before St. Thomas’ skull.

I found myself on my knees in front of the skull. Initially, I asked for success in my preaching missions, wishing to save souls. Following that, I sought wisdom, so I could follow the example of St. Thomas. However, I then remembered the tale of the crucifix. And I offered a straightforward prayer influenced by St. Thomas that we can all recite today: “Help me want only you, Lord.”

St. Thomas’s the true wealth was not any of his achievements — not his renown or his knowledge — but his profound longing to behold the face of Christ. Ultimately, St. Thomas recognized that every blessing diminishes when measured against the experience of knowing the giver personally.

Let us pray,

O God, who distinguished Saint Thomas Aquinas for his fervor in holiness and his pursuit of sacred knowledge, we beseech you, grant that we may comprehend what he imparted and emulate what he achieved. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.