On prayer and the contemplative life · Aquinas, Saint Thomas
1. The Philosopher says: "The end of contemplation is truth." But
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truth belongs wholly to the intellect.
But from the very fact that truth is the goal of contemplation it derives its character of a desirable and lovable and pleasing good, and in this sense it comes under the appetitive powers.
2. Again, S. Gregory says: "Rachel, whose name is interpreted 'the Beginning seen,' signifies the contemplative life." But the vision of a principle, or beginning, belongs to the intellect.
But it is love of God which excites in us desire of the vision of the First Principle of all—viz., God Himself—and hence S. Gregory says: "The contemplative life, trampling underfoot all cares, ardently yearns to look upon the face of the Creator."
