Wednesday 15th July Saint Bonaventure
Bonaventure was born in Tuscany circa 1221 and given the name Giovanni. According to legend, when he was about four years old he had a severe illness. The doctors who treated him couldn’t do anything for him and he was dying. In desperation his mother brought him to St. Francis of Assisi who was preaching in the area. St. Francis prayed over him and he was immediately healed. St. Francis also sensed his future greatness and prophesied “O Buona ventura” Oh blessed things to come! So when he entered the Franciscan Order, he was given the name Bonaventure. We do know for certain that St. Bonaventure claimed to have been preserved from death as a child through the intercession of St. Francis.
St. Bonaventure was known for his cheerfulness. This was a fruit of his inner peace. He himself said “A spiritual joy is the greatest sign of the divine grace dwelling in a soul.”
In 1257, Pope Clement IV asked him to become the Archbishop of York, but after St. Bonaventure begged permission not to accept this great honor and responsibility and another man was chosen. But eight years later he was chosen to be Bishop of Albano by Pope Gregory X. Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence is currently in this area. When the papal envoys found him to give him the cardinal’s hat, St. Bonaventure was at a monastery washing dishes. Since his hands were full of grease, he asked them to leave it hanging on a tree until his hands were free to take it.
Gospel – Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Ettie Foran RIP
Reflection:
Jesus in Saint Matthews Gospel today makes it very clear that it is children who truly understand the message of the Kingdom of God. By this Jesus is clearly saying that those with no perceptions or theories can easily grasp and understand the message that he brings. To truly grasp and understand this message we need to have a clear mind and a simply child like trust in God.
- How would you describe your trust in Jesus?
- Saint Bonaventure was known for his cheerfulness. This was a fruit of his inner peace. He himself said, “A spiritual joy is the greatest sign of the divine grace dwelling in a soul.” Do you feel a spiritual Joy in your soul?
Fr John
