We all reach a moment when we ask: What truly matters the most?

As part of our April series on spirituality and human connection, I spoke with Fr. James Dominic Brent, O.P., a Dominican priest and philosopher known for making the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas accessible and relevant.

We explore how faith, purpose, and grace intersect, not just in theology, but in daily life. Fr. James shares his own story of drifting from faith in college, rediscovering it through philosophy, and embracing the Dominican life of prayer, study, and preaching.

We discuss:

• Why Aquinas believed in the literal reunion of soul and body after death
• The surprising joy of confession
• The difference between faith and religion
• His recent visit to Cuba and the spiritual impact of witnessing profound poverty

Fr. James teaches at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC, and lectures widely through the Thomistic Institute. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from Saint Louis University and has published extensively on Aquinas and theology.