Karl Rahner, The Jesuit scholar who held on to his Rosary

Karl Rahner SJ. was as a giant of philosophy and theology. He is often considered as the Aquinas of these times. Visitors and colleagues were overwhelmed by the number of volumes that filled the shelves.

In February, 1948 Karl was invited to London for a celebration of his eightieth birthday. Much of the discussion was in English, a language he did not understand too well. In addition his failing health made him tire easily. At a one stage, he was not listening too carefully. Instead it was observed that he took out his Rosary beads and began praying it.

The story says a lot not only about the man himself, but gives an insight into his deep thought. Like St. Thomas Rahner too, derived his wisdom from the well-springs of grace and allowed it to flow out into a life of piety and prayer. Nature and grace were delightfully balanced in this great but humble man. The Book and the Beads were good companions in the life of the famous Jesuit, Karl.

The Rosary is indeed a summary of the Scriptures and a compendium of the Christian mysteries. A person of little learning can pray it well and continually advance in wisdom. So too, the one who studies the truths of the faith can allow all its divine riches to flow out through the channel of the Rosary beads.


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