Saturday, September 24 : Saint Thomas Aquinas
“As for me,” says Saint Paul, “may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And Saint Augustine observes: “See how, that where those who are wise in this world believed shame to lie, the apostle Paul finds riches; what seemed folly to them was wisdom and a sign of glory to him” (1 Cor 1:17 f.). Now everyone assumes distinction from what seems important in their own eyes. People who think themselves great because of their riches, glory in their goods. People who see no glory but in Jesus Christ, set their glory only in Jesus. Of these was the apostle Paul, who said: “I live, yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). This is why he does not boast in anything except Christ and, above all, the cross of Christ. For all the motives one could possibly have were brought together in this one. There are people who vaunt their friendship with the great and powerful; Paul needs nothing but Christ’s cross to disclose the unmistakable sign of God’s friendship. “God proves his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). No, nothing manifests God’s love for us so much as the death of Christ. “Oh, inimitable testimony of love !” exclaims Saint Gregory: “To redeem the slave you delivered up the Son.”
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team