Missing Thomas

From the time I first studied medieval philosophy as an undergraduate student in the minor seminary, I have had a special devotion to St. Thomas Aquinas. He makes a lot of sense, and one finds oneself, after reading him, wondering, "Can it all be so easy?" Most of the time it can.

When I moved into the St. Paul Seminary, I was thrilled to discover a fantastic portrait of the Angelic Doctor (pictured left) hanging in the hallway on the first floor of the dormitory wing of the seminary. That picture hanging there has always been something of an inspiration to me, reminding me of the value and necessity of study. For whatever reason, I always associated a sense of hopefulness with that portrait.

A couple of weeks ago, Thomas went on sabbatical. Apparently there is an art exhibit going on in one of the local churches. The seminary owns a couple of pieces by the featured artist. These pieces were borrowed for the exhibit, leaving some bare walls in the administrative wing of the building. As a result, Thomas was kidnapped from his usual home and taken and hung on a wall in the office area. I am assured that he will come home when the borrowed pieces of art are returned. Until then, though, I am missing Thomas.