Intellectus clavis contemplationis

As we persue a «renewal of mystical theology», what kind of inspiration
could be discovered in the great medieval authors like Thomas Aquinas,
Bonaventure and Jean Gerson? How is theology as an academic discipline
linked to spiritual life or mystical theology? Some well-known definitions
or names — such as scientia secundum pietatem, sacra doctrina, intellectus
fidei, sapientia, or contemplatio of a certatin sort—show the connection
of theology with the fundamental virtues of the Christian life: this science
is based upon the ecclesial Creed (fides) as well as on friendship with
God (caritas), which includes love for the salvation of others. Thomas
and Bonaventure describe the ideal master in theology as Christ’s servant
(ministerio magister) and friend, knowing Him because of a personal relationship
with Him, and proclaiming His truth. Well aware of the specificity
of theology as an acquired science and a habitus intellectus (Bonaventure:
extensi ad affectum), both Thomas and Bonaventure, albeit with
different accents, indicate the affinity of theological science to the forms
of supernatural knowledge: prophecy (interpretatio sermonum and iudicium
illuminatum) as well as mystical experience.