Aquinas at Prayer: The Bible, mysticism and
poetry
Paul Murray
Bloomsbury £16.99
(978-1-4411-0755-8)
Church Times Bookshop £15.30
WHEN I was a student, I had a confessor who always reminded me,
(probably quoting from someone else) that the study desk and the
prayer desk are one. In this book, Paul Murray very successfully
demonstrates that the extensive works of the Angelic Doctor are
bedded and rooted in prayer and that the works of the great
theological divine are at all times undergirded and surrounded with
prayer.
There are three distinct parts: "Aquinas - Man of Prayer";
"Prayer considered - Soundings in the Biblical Commentaries"; and
"Poet of the Eucharist - The Hymns and Canticle of Aquinas". The
author demonstrates that he is very well acquainted with his
subject.
He begins by looking at the revelations received by Aquinas and
the criticisms of Adrienne von Speyr, who says that Aquinas was too
full of himself to have real communication with God! The biographer
Bernard Gui tells us, however, that Aquinas "never set himself to
study or argue a point, or lecture or write or dictate without
having recourse, inwardly - but with tears - to prayer". St Thomas
himself contends: "Humility is what makes a man capable of God."
The influence of Humbert of Romans, who was Master of the
Dominicans in St Thomas's time, is examined, and the prayers
thought to be influenced by Humbert are printed. They make a very
good resource for those who practise affective prayer.
The second part introduces us to St Thomas as a scripture
scholar and exegete. I found this in some ways the most positive
part of the book, as various strands of prayer are examined from
scripture, especially the Pauline epistles. He looks at petition
and gratitude, demonstrating that asking and thanking are
approaches that all people, of whatever spiritual level, can
undertake. The Psalms are then examined especially in regard to
praying in time of need - useful to all who pray the Office.
The third part discusses Aquinas's fervent belief in the Lord's
presence in the Sacrament of the Altar and the material that he
produced for the feast of Corpus Christi. Here, Aquinas is revealed
not only as a man of intense scholarship and prayer, but also as a
poet of no small ability. The various eucharistic liturgical hymns
are examined and well translated.
This is all in keeping with what some sources say are the last
words of St Thomas. "If in this world there be any knowledge of
this sacrament stronger than that of faith, I wish now to use it in
affirming that I firmly believe and know as certain that Jesus
Christ, true God and true Man, Son of God and Son of the Virgin
Mary, is in this Sacrament. I receive thee, the price of my
redemption, for whose love I have watched, studied and
laboured."
Prebendary Scott was until recently Sub Dean of the Chapels
Royal.