Today's readings take us through the writings of Ignatius of Antioch, Augustine's Confessions, and Aquinas' Summa Theologica. We explore Ignatius’ exhortations to unity and steadfastness in faith, Augustine’s reflections on grief, love, and the search for true rest in God, and Aquinas’ theological insights on the nature of the Trinity. These texts offer profound wisdom on Christian doctrine, personal transformation, and the pursuit of truth. Join us as we journey through the richness of church history and theology.

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Today, we dive into the wisdom of the early Church with Ignatius of Antioch's "Epistle to the Magnesians," Augustine of Hippo's reflections on grief in "Confessions," and Thomas Aquinas's exploration of divine love in the "Summa Theologica." We'll explore themes of ecclesiastical order, the spiritual value of sorrow, and the nature of love in God.

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Through the Church Fathers in a Year

Today’s readings guide us through the wisdom of Ignatius of Antioch, the sorrowful reflections of Augustine of Hippo, and the theological insights of Thomas Aquinas. Ignatius exhorts his readers to humility and unity, reminding them that even the greatest figures in Scripture considered themselves unworthy before God. He calls the faithful to submit to their spiritual leaders, just as Christ submitted to the Father. Augustine shares his grief over the loss of a dear friend, describing how sorrow darkened his soul and left him searching for comfort that could only be found in God. Lastly, Aquinas explores the order of love, demonstrating why love for God must always be supreme and how love for others finds its true meaning when rooted in Him.

Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

Through Theology in a Year with C. Michael Patton

Charity is often seen as a simple act of kindness, but does love itself have an order? Thomas Aquinas argues that it does, explaining that love must be structured according to its highest principle—God. Meanwhile, Augustine of Hippo recounts his misguided devotion to astrology, exposing the dangers of trusting in fate over divine providence. These theological reflections challenge us to reconsider how we prioritize love, wisdom, and truth in our lives.

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• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
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Today’s readings explore themes of faithfulness, wisdom, and the transformative power of truth. Ignatius of Antioch exhorts believers to live in Christ, avoid false doctrines, and recognize Christianity’s fulfillment of Judaism. Augustine of Hippo recounts his stubborn devotion to astrology, resisting the wisdom of those who urged him to abandon it. Thomas Aquinas examines the order of charity, explaining why love must be structured with God as its highest principle. These writings call us to examine our hearts, reject falsehood, and pursue true knowledge in Christ.

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• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
• Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com
• Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

In today's readings from Through the Church Fathers in a Year, we begin Ignatius of Antioch’s Epistle to the Magnesians, where he exhorts the Church to honor their young bishop, remain steadfast in unity, and resist false teachings. Augustine’s Confessions recounts the moving story of his mother Monica’s persistence in prayer for his conversion and the prophetic assurance given to her by a bishop that "the son of these tears shall not perish." Aquinas’s Summa Theologica explores the nature of divine happiness, affirming that God’s beatitude is perfect, unchanging, and the source of all joy.

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

Today’s readings from Through the Church Fathers in a Year include Ignatius of Antioch, The Epistle to the Ephesians (Chapters 19–21), Augustine’s Confessions (Book III, Chapter 11), and Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica (Part I, Question 26).

Ignatius continues his exhortation on the mysteries of Christ, emphasizing the hidden nature of Mary’s virginity, Christ’s birth, and his death, which confounded worldly wisdom and overturned the powers of darkness. He encourages the Church to stand firm in unity, obedience, and faith.

Augustine recounts his mother Monica’s persistent tears and prayers for his conversion, culminating in a prophetic dream that reassured her that he would one day walk the path of faith. Her unwavering trust in God serves as a powerful testament to the power of intercession.

Aquinas explores whether beatitude exists in God, affirming that God is not merely happy but is happiness itself. Unlike creatures who attain happiness by acquiring what they lack, God possesses all perfection by his very nature and is the eternal source of all joy.

Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

In this episode of Through Theology in a Year, we dive into Thomas Aquinas’s exploration of God’s omnipotence in the Summa Theologica. Can God create a square circle? Can He make the past never have happened? Aquinas argues that true omnipotence does not include logical contradictions but rather extends to all things that are genuinely possible. Join us as we break down his reasoning and consider how this understanding shapes our theology and faith.

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