J.M.J.
One might be surprised to discover that Saint Thomas
Aquinas, in his monumental Summa
Theologiae, addressed the topic of “play.” What is the place of recreation
in the Christian life?
In his Secunda
Secundae (Second Part of the Second
Part), the “Angelic Doctor” discussed the value of play under the heading:
“Regarding Modesty in Outward Bodily Actions” (Question 168). Just as the body
needs rest from its labors so, too, the soul needs repose, which “lies in slackening
the tension of mental study and taking some pleasure.” (Article 2)
Saint Thomas used the famous story concerning Saint
John the Evangelist (circa 10-circa 100) related by Saint John Cassian
(circa 360-circa 435), a fourth century Christian writer. One day, several
persons found Saint John relaxing with his followers. These onlookers were
scandalized that the Beloved Disciple of Jesus—the inspired author of the
Fourth Gospel, the three Epistles and the Apocalypse—would be recreating. The
Apostle asked one of the amazed to shoot his arrow. Then, Saint John inquired
whether he could continue shooting the arrow indefinitely. No, the man argued,
because the bow would eventually break. The Evangelist keenly observed that our
souls, also, will “break” if we do not provide them with obligatory rest.
While play is good, Saint Thomas sounded a trio of
warnings (ibid.):
1.) “The pleasure should not be sought in anything
indecent or harmful.” (Even the non-Christian Cicero (106 B.C.-43 B.C.) classified
some jokes as discourteous, imprudent, obscene or shameful.)
2.) We should take care not to lose our direction. Saint
Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor, commented that the harmony of our good works could
be destroyed when we recreate if we do not exercise caution.)
3.) Our play—like other actions—is “to suit the
person, place and time, and to be duly adopted to circumstances.” (Cicero
remarked that relaxation should fit both the hour and the person.)
Saint Thomas, based on Aristotle (circa 384 B.C.-circa 322
B.C.), wrote that one specific virtue is connected to play: “cheerfulness or
well-turned wit . . . A wise and virtuous man will sometimes turn to them,” that
is, “playful words and deeds.” (ibid.)
Two other inquiries were also posed. Is unnecessary
play evil? Is too little play sinful?
First, Saint Thomas contended that yes, truly
superfluous play is wrong because it is excessive to the rule of reason. For
instance, if one were to use improper gestures or words or those that would
harm another, this recreation would be immoral. A similar activity is also wrong
if the playing “is mistimed or misplaced or unsuitable to the business in hand
or to the company.” (Article 3)
Second, this Dominican master of theology taught that
yes, not enough play is sinful because it is defective to the rule of reason.
He straightforwardly submitted: “It is against reason for a man to be
burdensome to others, by never showing himself agreeable to others or being a
kill-joy or wet blanket on their enjoyment.” Moreover, “those who lack
playfulness are sinful, those who never say anything to make you smile, or are
grumpy with those who do.” (Article 4)
Rest and enjoyment are not “ends” in themselves but
rather assist us in the pursuit of authentic holiness: the everlasting attainment
of God in Paradise.
If we have not heeded Saint Thomas’ counsel, now is a
perfect time to experience the beauty of recreation. May God be adored in our
work and in our repose!
