A Paradox in a Good Question

"A resolve that is backed by prudent understanding is like the polished surface of a smooth wall." – Sirach 22: 16-17 "The Idea of a Catholic University " seminar called participants to focus on an essential aspect of the identity of the University of St. Thomas. As a participant in that seminar, I recognized a paradox in the question it raised. On the one hand, the question of who we are as a Catholic university seems to get at the core of our identity; on the other, the question is both so difficult to ask and so easy to avoid that we may never answer it. In this matter, St. Thomas could follow organizational norms and proceed with business as usual until something threatens our survival. Or we could, as a community, decide to examine our identity now, in the hope that we can become like the "polished surface of a smooth wall, " as we fashion a university suited for the 21st century. If we choose the latter, I think we must first be honest with ourselves about how and why exploring our identity — especially our identity as a Catholic university — is difficult, and why we might be tempted to postpone it