Thomas Aquinas was a theologian, a scholar, a teacher, an author, and through all those roles, a leader who shaped the thinking and practicing of all those around.
I just finished reading G.K. Chesterton's little biography on Aquinas. In that book, Chesterton describes Aquinas in a very attractive way.
Aquinas was:
- A brilliant intellect who also had a devout life of prayer.
- A scholar who had mystical experiences of the God whom he loved.
- He wrote carefully reasoned theology and beautiful poetry.
- He was immensely learned (perhaps the greatest of his day) and yet authentically humble.
- A man of great activity and yet rich in contemplation.
- He possessed a faith that sought after understanding and an intellect that practiced what it knew.
His entire ministry as a teacher and preacher was a matter of giving away to others what he had received and learned to live according to.
His entire life was that of life-long study of God for the purpose of drawing near to God.
For those who are called to teach and to preach, to think and to write, and to lead thoughtfully, Aquinas shows us the way.
Brian Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
