Non nise te Domine

Hebrews 10:32-39; Psalm 37 The salvation of the Just comes from the Lord; Mark 4:26-34

Today is the feast of Thomas Aquinas. He is called the angelic doctor. He lived in the 13th century is known for his prolific writing and teaching on all things catholic.

There is a story told of Thomas Aquinas about having a vision of Christ on the cross. Christ asked him what reward he wanted for all that he wrote and taught about Him. Thomas replied, "Non Nise Te Domine!" (nothing but you, O Lord)

in this simple phrase, response, "Non Nise Te domine", we discover the bookends of our life; it is both the starting line and the finsihing line and the path that connects the two: non nise te Domine!

Here are few experts from St. Thomas Catechetical instrustion on the creed about faith especially inlight of today's readings where st Paul yes boldly, "we are among those who have faith and will possess life."

On the Nature and effects of Faith
+ The first thing that is necessary for every christian is faith, without which no one is truly called a faithful Christian.

Faith brings about four good effects+Through faith the soul is united to God, and by it there is between the soul and God a union akin to marriage. (it is not for nought that Christ is called the bridegroom)

+The second effect of faith is that eternal life is already begun in us; for eternal life is nothing else than knowing God. (we carry heaven with us when and where we go)

+The third good comes from faith is right direction which it gives to our present life. It order for one to live a good life, it is necessarythat he knw what is necessary to live rightly. But faith teaches us all that is necessary to liev a good life.

+The fourth effect of faith is that by it we overcome temptations; We know that every temptation is either from the world or the flesh or the devil. The devil would have us disobey God and not be subject to Him. This is removed by faith, since through it we know that he is the Lord of all things and must therefore be obeyed.

The world tempts us by attaching us to its prosperity, or by filling us with fear of adversity. But faith overcomes for we believe in a life ot come.

the flesh attracts us by attracting us to the swiftly passing pleasures of this present life. But faiht shows us that, if we cling to these things inordinately we shall lose atrenal joys. In all things take the shield of faith.

We see from this is very necessary to have faith