Episode 2977: Exploring St. Thomas Aquinas' Commentary on the Gospel of John with Sharon

Exploring St. Thomas Aquinas' Commentary on the Gospel of John
Host: Sharon
Co-Host: Walt
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(Sharon)
Hello, everyone! Welcome back to CR. I'm Sharon, and joining me today is Walt. We’re diving into a profound theological masterpiece: St. Thomas Aquinas' Commentary on the Gospel of John. This work is a timeless treasure, revealing Thomistic insights into one of the most mystical and profound books of the Bible. Walt, I’m excited to explore how St. Thomas unpacks the eternal truths of John's Gospel.
BUT, before we begin, let's open with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance and wisdom as we reflect on the sacred insights of St. Thomas Aquinas:
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created, and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
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(Walt)
Hello Sharon! What stands out is Aquinas' ability to harmonize scripture with theology. His commentary is not just a scholarly endeavor but a spiritual guide to understanding the divine mysteries revealed in the Gospel of John. Aquinas shows us that every passage, word, and phrase in scripture has a purpose in leading us to God.
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(Sharon)
[Part 1: St. Thomas' Approach to Biblical Exegesis]
St. Thomas Aquinas approaches the Gospel of John by integrating philosophy, theology, and divine revelation. Unlike a purely historical approach, he draws deeply from patristic writings and Sacred Tradition. Walt, can you explain how Aquinas organizes his commentary on John?
(Walt)
Of course. Aquinas divides his commentary into three primary sections:
1. The Prologue (John 1:1-18), where he focuses on the divinity of Christ.
2. The Book of Signs (John 1:19 to 12:50), detailing Christ’s public ministry and miraculous works.
3. The Book of Glory (John 13:1 to the end), which centers on the Passion, Resurrection, and teachings of Christ to His disciples.
Aquinas’ method involves analyzing each passage with literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical interpretations, showing how the text applies to theology, Christian living, and eschatology.
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John 1:1-3] (Sharon)
Let’s start with one of the most iconic passages in scripture—John 1:1-3:
'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him: and without Him was made nothing that was made.'
Walt, how does Aquinas break down this foundational text?
(Walt)
Aquinas explains that 'the Word' refers to the Second Person of the Trinity, Christ, who is both co-eternal and consubstantial with the Father. He argues that the phrase 'In the beginning' indicates Christ's eternal existence before creation. St. Thomas masterfully defends the divinity of Christ by citing other scriptures, such as Colossians 1:16—'For in Him were all things created.'
Aquinas also emphasizes that the Word is the perfect image and knowledge of God. He writes, 'Just as the word in the human intellect is the concept or mental image of a thing, so Christ is the perfect expression of the Father.' This passage becomes a cornerstone for understanding Trinitarian theology.
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Theological Insight: The Wedding at Cana - (Sharon)
Let’s move to John 2:1-11, the Wedding at Cana, where Christ performs His first public miracle. Aquinas has profound insights about this passage. Walt, what stands out in his analysis?
(Walt)
Aquinas points out that this miracle reveals the transformative power of Christ and prefigures the sacramental life of the Church. He writes, 'Just as Christ transformed water into wine, He transforms the ordinary elements of bread and wine into His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.'
He also highlights Mary’s intercessory role. When she tells Jesus, 'They have no wine,' Aquinas interprets this as a model for how the faithful should approach Christ with their needs. He even connects this moment to the Old Testament, likening it to the transformation of water in Exodus.
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[Key Theme: Christ as the Light of the World] (Sharon)
In John 8:12, Jesus proclaims, 'I am the light of the world. He that followeth Me walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' Aquinas provides a powerful reflection on this statement. What are his key insights, Walt?"
(Walt)
Aquinas sees this as a declaration of Christ’s role in illuminating the path to eternal salvation. He explains that just as the sun illuminates the physical world, Christ illuminates the spiritual world. Aquinas writes, 'Christ is the true light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin. Only by following Him can one attain the fullness of truth and beatitude.'
He contrasts the light of Christ with the false lights of the world pride, materialism, and heresy and urges Christians to remain steadfast in the true light through prayer, sacraments, and adherence to the Gospel.
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[Application for the Faithful Today] (Sharon)
So, Walt, what lessons can we take from Aquinas' commentary for our lives today?
(Walt)
Aquinas teaches us that the Gospel of John is a spiritual roadmap. By understanding Christ as the Word, the Light, and the source of all truth, we are called to live in conformity with divine wisdom. His commentary encourages us to approach scripture with humility and to seek the deeper meanings that nourish our souls. In a world filled with confusion, Aquinas reminds us that Christ remains the eternal answer.
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[Final Reflections] (Sharon)
Thank you, Walt, for sharing these incredible insights. I hope our listeners feel inspired to explore Commentary on the Gospel of John and discover its timeless wisdom. Before we close, would you like to offer one last thought?
(Walt)
Yes, Sharon. I encourage everyone to approach Aquinas' work prayerfully. Even if it seems challenging at first, the Holy Spirit will guide you to understand the beauty and wisdom contained in his writings. Remember, as St. Thomas himself said, 'To love God is something greater than to know Him.' Let’s strive to love and know God more through the study of His Word.
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[Closing Prayer] (Sharon)
Let’s close with a prayer from St. Thomas Aquinas:
Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know You, a heart to seek You, wisdom to find You, conduct pleasing to You, faithful perseverance in waiting for You, and a hope of finally embracing You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly!