On March 7, 1274, Saint Thomas Aquinas died. His teacher Saint Albert the Great was around 80 years old at the time. Tradition tells us that St. Albert was profoundly affected by St. Thomas’ death, as seems natural for men … Continue reading
Humility
A Christian is Obedient
Several years ago a small board examined me, asking me to reflect on my time in the Boy Scouts of America. This examination was the last requirement necessary for earning the rank of Eagle Scout; and their questions took on … Continue reading
He Casts Down the Mighty and Raises Up the Lowly
As a religious, one of the most beautiful parts of my daily prayer is singing the Magnificat at Vespers. The humility of the Blessed Mother’s prayer always strikes me. Rather than accepting the praise for herself, her “soul proclaims the … Continue reading
Humility as Desire
As one plods through the modern city of Bologna, crossing the Piazza del Nettuno into the Piazza Maggiore, one is greeted by an unsightly, unfinished façade of the Basilica di San Petronio. The basilica as it stands is one of … Continue reading
Forgotten Ananias
The account of Paul’s conversion turns our eye to great figures. Of course, there is Saint Paul, going from sinner to saint, from persecutor to preacher, from murderer to martyr. Also eye-catching is the role of Jesus, blinding Paul with … Continue reading
Check Yourself
“Yo, priest! You best check yo’self!” A priest who taught me the faith when I was a boy used to tell this story. Once, when he was leading a group of high school students on a pilgrimage to the March … Continue reading
The Paradox of Willfulness
Lent is more than half over, a good time to remember why we carry our cross. We do it to be disciples of Christ, to do His will in our life and not our own. But surrendering our own willfulness … Continue reading
5 Tips on Prayer with St. Thomas Aquinas
Throwback Thursday Editor’s note: This post was originally published on November 25, 2014. Fr. John Sica, O.P. was ordained to the priesthood in May 2016. Prayer, St. John Damascene says, is the unveiling of the mind before God. When we … Continue reading
Jesus Christ, King of Thieves
O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum,lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum:veni, et salva hominem,quem de limo formasti. O King of the nations, and their desire,the cornerstone making both one:Come and save the human race,which you fashioned from clay. The O … Continue reading
Tsk tsk tsk
“If it’s one thing I am,” Mrs. Turpin said with feeling, “it’s grateful. When I think who all I could have been besides myself and what all I got, a little of everything, and a good disposition besides, I just … Continue reading
Dwindled Infinity
It is not uncommon for the priory where I live in Washington, D.C. to host guests for dinner. On occasion, our guests will be a family. From time to time, that family will include a baby. Seeing a baby become … Continue reading