On this feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas a reflection from Nicholas Healy's fine book, Thomas Aquinas: Theologian of the Christian Life:

His theology is best approached from his concern with the Christian life.....Theology, as Thomas understands and practices it, attempts to clarify what has been revealed of divine wisdom through the incarnate Word and the operation of the Holy Spirit. Theological inquiry's main function is to serve the preaching of the Gospel. And the preaching of the Gospel serves the Christian life, which is distinct from other ways of life, since it is an attempt to follow Jesus Christ obediently.

To all the members of the Order of Preachers, men and women, throughout the world: Buona Festa!

Robert P. Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is a longtime Commonweal contributor.

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