Thomas Aquinas: All Things For The Glory Of God

Thomas Aquinas was a priest, professor, and is a Doctor of the Church. He is considered to be one of, if not the greatest thinker in the history of the Church. I am in no way qualified to discuss his writings, and to be honest, I have great difficulty understanding them. However, when I do come across something of his that I am able to understand, I take it as a very clear sign that it is something that God needs for me to hear and understand.
Thomas Aquinas studied, taught and wrote constantly, but he also prayed constantly. This is the lesson I can take from this great saint's life. He prayed much and his writing, study and teaching bore much good fruit in his life and for the life of the Church. He did all of this, not for his own fame or recognition, but for God's.
In my own life, I need to remember to do the same. It starts with prayer. I can't give what I don't have. Without prayer, I am attempting to fly solo and in my experience that always leads to some sort of disastrous crash! When I give my day to God and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance, things seem to be better. Even if they don't go as I hope, my reaction to the upsets and setbacks is better. Somehow I think St Thomas knew this and lived it.
There is much we can learn form this learned saint, but what I am taking from his life is that while he studied, wrote and taught much, he also prayed much.
I ask St Thomas Aquinas' intercession today that I will give all that I do to God for His glory, not mine.
I am going to leave you with a story of one of the miracles surrounding St Thomas and the Eucharist.

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.~

St. Thomas Aquinas