Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
King David wanted to glorify and honor God by building Him a house. God was more interested in building an eternal House. God’s promise to establish David’s house and kingdom was not based on his descendants being perfect, but rather on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. The first reading at Mass from 2nd Samuel 7:4-17 is God’s promise of the Messiah, Jesus, through David’s line. Through Jesus, God built a spiritual House and Kingdom which transcends brick and mortar.
How was this spiritual House built? By preaching (“casting seeds”) and by example (witness). In the Parable of the Sower, the seed is the Word of God — the Good News — which is cast in all directions. Depending on the ground (a person’s heart) where the seeds land, they either perish or grow abundantly. Therefore, not all efforts are successful.
St. Thomas Aquinas considered the Virgin Mary to be the perfect example of good soil, yielding the Messiah and fulfilling the Divine promise.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections