Learning and Teaching
Jan 28: Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church
My middle name is Thomas. I always assumed it was after the Apostle, sometimes called “Doubting Thomas.”1 It’s nice to know there’s another Thomas, Aquinas, who’s famous for his theology and not his doubts.
In honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, today’s readings are all about teaching, learning, and wisdom.
Reading 1
Wis 7:7-10, 15-16
I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; Because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.
Now God grant I speak suitably and value these endowments at their worth: For he is the guide of Wisdom and the director of the wise. For both we and our words are in his hand, as well as all prudence and knowledge of crafts.
The book of Wisdom is traditionally attributed to Solomon, who famously chose wisdom, when God offered to grant any request.2 He knows that wisdom is more valuable and longer lasting than riches and beauty.
He knows it, but he also asks God to help him “speak suitably” about out. Wisdom is meant to be shared, passed on to anyone who’ll listen, just as St. Thomas Aquinas, and every great teacher and theologian, has.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
By keeping to your words.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
As it says in Proverbs,3 "The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD." But that's only the beginning. After studying God's commands and obeying them, you must declare them.
As Richard Feynman4 said: “If you can’t explain a concept to a first year class, you don't really understand it.” It helps both the teacher and the student to explain something, whether it's physics or theology or basic morals and ethics.
It’s good for parents as well as children to learn about the Bible and the Church’s teachings. It’s good for you to proselytize, as it helps you understand and bolster your own faith, as well as saving another.
Alleluia
Mt 23:9b, 10b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You have but one Father in heaven;
you have but one master, the Christ.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
They’ve lopped off the first part of verse 9, the famous “Call no one on earth your father” is a verse protestants like to beat Catholics over the head with.
If you’re curious, the standard response is, as usual, context. Jesus was criticizing Philistines, who abused their positions of power. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
And He’s obviously being hyperbolic, in the same way that He says to cut off your hand or pluck out your eye if they cause you to sin. Jesus doesn’t want you to mutilate yourself, and he doesn’t want you to stop calling your father, father.
For more details, listen to Fr. Mike—
Gospel
Mt 23:8-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples: "Do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
What does all this have to do with St. Thomas Aquinas? “Rabbi” means teacher. Again, obviously, Jesus doesn’t want us to not call Aquinas a teacher. What would we call him otherwise?
No, he’s telling Aquinas, and others in positions of educational authority, to not abuse their authority. Be honest and truthful, and, unlike the Philistines, practice what you preach.
Aquinas did, which is why he’s a saint. When you’re teaching your children, grandchildren, or other learners around you, don’t forget that second part. You’ll both be better off for it.
Which I think is unfair; “perfectly reasonable Thomas” makes more sense to me.
Or Einstein. Or someone. It’s been attributed to a lot of people, but I first read it in Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman.