We cannot love what we do not know. Deepen the understanding and love can grow. When we strive to know the Ultimate Good, we will be drawn to a deeper love.
The study of God and his revelation is the object of theology. So what better study could we undertake if we wish to come to know God and inflame our love for Him?
For making quick progress, there is no better overview of Catholic theology than the Summa Theologica of St Thomas Aquinas. He is a sure guide. However, the Summa is a large work written in the 12th century.
Fortunately for us, Monsignor Paul Glenn, a teacher of philosphy and theology, wrote a precis of the famous work which will allow access to the wisdom of St Thomas in as short a time as possible. It is the perfect work for the modern catholic always in a hurry.
The "Summa" is Christian doctrine in scientific form; it is human reason rendering its highest service in defence and explanation of the truths of the Christian religion. It is the answer of the matured and saintly doctor to the question of his youth: What is God?
- Catholic Encyclopedia
From the encyclical STUDIOREM DUCEM - Encyclical of Pope Pius XI on St Thomas Aquinas:
'He alone enlightened the Church more than all other doctors; a man can derive more profit in a year from his books than from pondering all his life the teaching of others.'
- quoting Pope John XXII
We so heartily approve the magnificent tribute of praise bestowed upon this most divine genius that We consider that Thomas should be called not only the Angelic, but also the Common or Universal Doctor of the Church; for the Church has adopted his philosophy for her own, as innumerable documents of every kind attest.
For, according to Thomas, by far the most important benefit to be derived from sacred studies, is that they inspire a man with a great love for God and a great longing for eternal things.