Blessed be the Lord; for love of him Saint Thomas Aquinas spent long hours in prayer, study, and writing. (Gospel antiphon for Lauds)O Lord my God, help me to be obedient without reserve,
poor without servility, chaste without compromise, humble without pretense,
joyful without depravity, serious without affectation, active without
frivolity, submissive without bitterness, truthful without duplicity, fruitful
in good works without presumption, quick to revive my neighbor without
haughtiness, and quick to edify others by word and example without simulation.
Grant
me, O Lord, an ever-watchful heart that no alien thought can lure away from
You; a noble heart that no base love can sully; an upright heart that no
perverse intention can lead astray; an invincible heart that no distress can
overcome; an unfettered heart that no impetuous desires can hold back.
O Lord
my God, also bestow upon me understanding to know You, zeal to seek You, wisdom
to find You, a life that is pleasing to You, unshakable perseverance, and a
hope that will one day take hold of You.
May I do penance here below and patiently
bear your chastisements. May I also receive the benefits of your grace, in
order to taste your heavenly joys and contemplate your glory. AMEN.
Aquinas is the patron saint of academics, apologists, book sellers, Catholic schools (all levels), pencil makers, theologians and publishers.
