Sadness is an inevitable part of life, but according to Saint Thomas Aquinas, there are powerful and practical ways to overcome it. As one of the greatest minds in Catholic theology, Aquinas provided timeless wisdom on how to combat sorrow and restore joy. His teachings remind us that while sadness may be a burden, God provides the means to uplift our hearts.
Here are 10 remedies from Saint Thomas Aquinas to help overcome sadness and find true peace in Christ.
1. Grant Yourself Permission to Cry
Jesus wept
John 11:35
Why It Works: Crying is a natural way to release pent-up emotions. Aquinas taught that expressing sorrow rather than suppressing it can bring relief and healing.
Spiritual Practice: Offer your tears to God in prayer, knowing that He sees and understands your pain.
2. Engage in Honest Conversation with a Trusted Friend
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity
Proverbs 17:17
Why It Works: Aquinas emphasized that sharing your troubles with a good friend lightens the burden of sadness.
Spiritual Practice: Seek a friend, spiritual director, or priest for support, and ask them to pray with you.
3. Contemplate the Truth of God’s Love
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Why It Works: Reflecting on the love and mercy of God helps shift focus away from sadness and toward His eternal goodness.
Spiritual Practice: Meditate on Scripture passages that speak of God’s love and faithfulness.
4. Engage in Uplifting Activities
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
Why It Works: Aquinas believed that enjoying wholesome activities can help dispel sadness.
Spiritual Practice: Take a walk in nature, listen to sacred music, or engage in a hobby that lifts your spirit.
5. Offer Your Suffering to Christ
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28
Why It Works: Uniting your sorrow with Christ’s suffering on the Cross transforms pain into a redemptive act.
Spiritual Practice: Say a prayer of surrender, entrusting your sadness to Jesus and asking Him to use it for His glory.
6. Take Care of Your Body
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
1 Corinthians 6:19
Why It Works: Aquinas recognized that physical well-being affects mental and spiritual health.
Spiritual Practice: Ensure you are getting enough rest, nutrition, and exercise, and offer your daily efforts to God.
7. Seek Comfort in Prayer and the Sacraments
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Why It Works: Prayer brings us into God’s presence, while the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, provide grace and healing.
Spiritual Practice: Visit the Blessed Sacrament, attend Mass, or pray the Rosary to find peace in God’s presence.
8. Perform Acts of Charity
It is more blessed to give than to receive
Acts 20:35
Why It Works: Helping others redirects our focus from personal sorrow to love and generosity, bringing unexpected joy.
Spiritual Practice: Volunteer, perform small acts of kindness, or offer prayers for those in greater need.
9. Meditate on Heavenly Joy
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things
Colossians 3:2
Why It Works: Aquinas taught that contemplating the joys of heaven can provide hope and comfort in difficult times.
Spiritual Practice: Read about the lives of the saints and reflect on the eternal happiness that awaits in heaven
10. Trust in God’s Providence
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Why It Works: Understanding that God is in control of all things brings peace amidst life’s struggles.
Spiritual Practice: Make an act of trust, surrendering your sadness to God and believing in His perfect plan
Conclusion
Saint Thomas Aquinas’ wisdom teaches us that sadness is not meant to overwhelm us but to lead us closer to God. By following these remedies, we can find healing, joy, and renewed faith in Christ. May we always remember that even in our lowest moments, God is with us, offering His boundless love and grace.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
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