Unveiling the Betrayer: Jesus' Revelation and Aquinas' Commentary
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Summary of St. Thomas Aquinas' Commentary on John's Gospel
- Jesus' Trouble and Sadness at the Last Supper
- The Stoic Doctrine and Jesus' Response
- The Devil's Entry into a Person
- Jesus' Betrayal Prediction and Identification of the Traitor
- Two Ways of Being Troubled
- Reasons for Jesus' Troubled Spirit
- The Intimacy Between John and Jesus
- Peter's Action and Question
- The Significance of Dipped Bread
- Satan's Entry into Judas
- Conclusion
📖 St. Thomas Aquinas' Commentary on the Gospel of John
In his Commentary on John's Gospel, St. Thomas Aquinas delves into the profound events that took place during the Last Supper, particularly focusing on Jesus' identification of his betrayer and the emotions he experienced during that time. Aquinas also addresses the Stoic philosophy which denies that wise men can feel sadness, and explores the various ways in which the Devil can enter into a person. Through his meticulous analysis of the text, Aquinas provides valuable insights into the deeper meaning of these significant moments in Christ's life.
Introduction
The Gospel of John, specifically Chapter 13, verses 21 to 27, recounts the poignant moments leading up to Jesus' betrayal. Aquinas carefully examines each detail, unraveling the complexity of these events and shedding light on their significance for both the disciples and humanity as a whole. By delving into Aquinas' commentary, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' troubled spirit, the identification of the traitor Judas, and the profound lessons embedded within these events.
Summary of St. Thomas Aquinas' Commentary on John's Gospel
Aquinas begins his commentary by highlighting Jesus' troubled spirit upon revealing that one of his disciples would betray him. He explains that Jesus' troubled state stemmed from genuine sadness, contradicting the Stoic belief that wise men are immune to such emotions. Aquinas emphasizes that Jesus' sadness was not merely a disturbance of the body but a profound perturbation of the soul.
Aquinas then delves into the distinction between the acts of the sensory appetite, which cause disturbance in the body, and the actions of the intellectual powers, which do not. He argues that sadness, among the passions of the sensory appetite, involves the greatest disturbance. By establishing this foundation, Aquinas makes it clear that Jesus' troubled spirit was a genuine display of sorrow.
Aquinas further explores the Stoic doctrine that denies the possibility of wise men feeling sadness. He asserts that Jesus, being the highest wisdom, unequivocally disproves this view. Aquinas explains that being troubled can occur in two ways: through the apprehension of the senses or through reason and deliberation. In the case of Jesus, his trouble came from a judgment of reason, as his sensory appetite was disturbed.
Aquinas outlines two reasons why Jesus willed to be troubled in this way. Firstly, it served as an instructive means to express his humanity and to demonstrate to others the acceptance of suffering and death. Secondly, Jesus intended to exemplify the importance of compassion and empathetic leadership for superiors, who should pass judgment with a heavy heart when necessary.
Aquinas then analyzes the disciples' uncertainty regarding the identity of the betrayer and the role of the beloved disciple, John, in seeking clarification. The disciples' love for Jesus and their unwavering faith contributed to their uncertainty, as each believed in the truth of Jesus' words while assuming he was not the traitor. Peter, symbolizing the active life, beckoned to John, representing the contemplative life, to ask Jesus privately who the betrayer would be.
Jesus identifies the traitor both verbally and through an action involving dipped bread. Aquinas examines the various interpretations of this act, whether it symbolizes Judas' hypocrisy or his deep-seated malice. Regardless of the interpretation, Jesus' act conveys the betrayal of someone who has received goodness from him.
Finally, Aquinas presents the effect of the identification, stating, "after the morsel, Satan entered into him." He explores the ways in which Satan can enter into a person, clarifying that while Satan cannot enter the quantitative dimensions of the human soul, he can influence the mind and lead individuals to follow his evil suggestions. Aquinas highlights the difference between the devil "putting into" the heart of Judas and "entering into" him, signifying a growth in evil.
In conclusion, Aquinas' commentary on the Gospel of John offers profound insights into the emotional struggles of Jesus during the Last Supper, his identification of the traitor, and the theological implications presented within these events. Through Aquinas' keen analysis, we are invited to reflect on the complexities of human nature, the importance of compassion in leadership, and the significance of our own choices in relation to good and evil.
Highlights
- Aquinas dissects Jesus' troubled spirit, emphasizing the genuine sadness he experienced at the prospect of betrayal.
- He challenges the Stoic belief that wise men are immune to sadness, asserting that Jesus' sorrow serves as a contradiction to this view.
- Aquinas explores the complexity of Satan's influence, noting that while Satan cannot enter the quantitative dimensions of the human soul, he can sway the mind and lead individuals to follow his evil suggestions.
- He unpacks the significance of Jesus' identification of the traitor through the act of giving dipped bread, symbolizing either Judas' hypocrisy or his deep-seated malice.
- Aquinas highlights the importance of empathetic leadership and passing judgment with a heavy heart, drawing lessons from Jesus' troubled spirit and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you explain the Stoic doctrine that Aquinas challenges?
A: The Stoic doctrine states that wise men are immune to sadness. Aquinas argues against this belief, using Jesus' troubled spirit at the Last Supper as evidence that even the highest wisdom can experience genuine sorrow.
Q: Why did Jesus choose to be troubled in this way?
A: Jesus willed to be troubled in order to instruct others in the faith, showing that suffering and death are encompassed in the human experience. He also wanted to emphasize the need for compassionate and empathetic leadership, particularly when passing judgment on others.
Q: How does Satan enter into a person?
A: Aquinas explains that while Satan cannot physically enter the human soul's quantitative dimensions, he can influence the mind and lead individuals to follow his evil suggestions. Satan's entry is marked by a person's complete submission to his temptations, signifying a growth in evil.
Q: What is the significance of Jesus' identification of the traitor through dipped bread?
A: The act of giving dipped bread symbolizes either Judas' hypocrisy or his deep-seated malice. It serves as a visual representation of betrayal despite receiving goodness from Jesus.
Q: What lessons can we learn from Aquinas' commentary on Jesus' troubled spirit?
A: Aquinas highlights the importance of acknowledging and embracing our own sorrows and struggles. He also emphasizes the need for empathetic leadership and the impact it can have on others.
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