Christian Sermon - Puer Iesus by Thomas Aquinas

Summary

Puer Iesus is a Christian theological sermon delivered in 1271 on Jesus' growth based on Luke 2: 41 - 52. It consist of two sections organised in a logical format flowing consistently from the general to the particular, with clear connections and flows, actions and reactions, observations and expectations, efforts and results. The title, Puer Iesus, which means Child Jesus, is an apt invitation to all particularly young learners into the mystery of Jesus.

The title is drawn from the Gospels and connects precisely to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit accessible only in docility. A precondition for seekers of mystery is captured in this scripture texts, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Adolescents are invited through their learning to encounter Jesus the God-man in the mystery of incarnation, through study with the help of the Holy Spirit to grow in the knowledge of the Father. They are reminded to do the Father’s will assisted by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus. Furthermore Aquinas implicitly points them to Jesus as their model of learning and goal of existence respectively. Jesus grew only physically, in his soul he never ceased to be God from the beginning. 

Incarnation is the entry point of God into human history through Jesus for human salvation particularly adolescents. God’s salvation of mankind is inclusive at every stage of a person’s life displayed in the four dimensions of Jesus growth of (age [body], wisdom [mind] and grace [spirit], and favour [relationships]); therefore adolescence possess coherence, completeness and sufficiency for receiving grace and thriving in God. This is specifically pointing to adolescents’ privilege to partake and participate in divinity accidentally through Jesus effected in practice.

Christian practice which involves dynamic encounter with God means prayer, mortification, almsgiving and active interiority. Prayer consist of participation in liturgical celebrations, devotions, formal and informal prayers. Mortification include fasting, abstinence and various forms of self-denial. Active interiority involving reflection, contemplation and discernment is enabled by attention, presence, silence and listening.  Aquinas indicates that advancement in grace requires dedication, discipline and rigour aided by the Holy Spirit to imitate Jesus. An outcome points to growth in authenticity through gradual intimacy with God where Jesus’ hypostatic union is both the ideal and example.

With authentic practice, the highest advance in grace is possible. Therefore, adolescence is not a stepping-stone or bridge to adulthood rather a fertile junction for union with God.

Read the sermon here. 

Life is beautiful!