(1206-1280) The “Universal Doctor” and patron saint of scientists was born to a military nobleman in Germany. He eventually joined the newly formed Order of Preachers (Dominicans). He was a priest, an influential preacher, teacher, philosopher, scientist, and theologian, and he eventually became bishop of Regensburg, Germany. Among many other academic achievements, his commentary on the works of Aristotle made that school of philosophy far more accessible than ever before. He taught in Paris and Cologne.
When the Dominican friars in Cologne called Saint Thomas Aquinas “the dumb ox,” Albert prophesied that the “lowing of this dumb ox will one day resound throughout the world.” Many people in recovery have been labeled by someone else or by themselves. The saint sees past the label to the person. How have you overcome labels in your recovery?
“Govern my heart, O Lord, lest it drift into useless and disordered thoughts. Do not permit me to become excessively preoccupied with anything at all, even matters and concerns that are useful and good in themselves. Temper the affections of my soul so that I may neither love nor hate anything in a way that exceeds due proportions. Let me neither rejoice nor be saddened beyond the measure that is fitting and rational” (Saint Albert the Great).
Reflection by Brad Farmer