The Church celebrates today the Feast of St.
Bonaventure. When we celebrate the
saints, we reflect on the lessons from their lives on how to be a more faithful
follower of Jesus Christ.
St. Bonaventure met St. Francis of Assisi as a young boy, in
fact, it is said that St. Francis miraculously cured Bonaventure of a serious
disease. As a young man, Bonaventure
joined the Franciscans, and it was immediately evident that he was a genius.
Bonaventure went on to be one of the great academics intellects of the middle
ages along with St Thomas Aquinas, writing biblical commentaries and
theological and philosophical treatises. Bonaventure wrote the official
biography of St. Francis’ life, which is still read today, 750 years after his death.
St. Bonaventure was declared by Pope Sixtus V as a Doctor of
the Church. For Bonaventure’s great
insight into the spiritual life and into theology really shapes the way we
understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
St. Bonaventure wrote, “Whoever wishes to ascend to God must
first avoid sin, which deforms our nature; he must pray to receive restoring
grace; he must lead a good life, to receive purifying justice; he must
meditate, to receive illuminating knowledge; he must practice contemplation, to
receive perfecting wisdom.”
Avoid Sin. Pray to receive restoring grace. Meditate. Practice
contemplation.
In the spiritual life, St. Bonaventure also taught praying
for the protection of Our Lady against the temptations of the devil. St.
Bonaventure writes, “Deliver me, O Lady, from all evil: and from the infernal
enemy defend me. Against me he hath drawn his bow: and in his craftiness he
hath laid snares for me. Restrain his evil power: and powerfully crush his
craft. Turn back his iniquity on his own head: and let him speedily fall into
the pit which he hath made. But we will rejoice in thy service: and we will
glory in thy praise.”
Bonaventure writes, of course, about looking to the life and
example of Jesus, our Lord. He writes, “In all your deeds and words you should
look upon this Jesus as your model. Do so whether you are walking or keeping
silence, or speaking, whether you are alone or with others. He is perfect, and
thus you will be not only irreprehensible, but praiseworthy.”
May St. Bonaventure, help us indeed, to Avoid sin. Pray.
Meditate. Contemplate. Seek Mary’s Protection. And Follow Jesus’ example, that
we may obtain that perfection for which we were made, for the glory of God and
the salvation of souls.
For Pope Leo, Bishop Malesic and all of the clergy: may
their lives and ministry be marked by truth, holiness and zeal for souls. Let
us pray to the Lord.
For all theologians, teachers, students, and scholars: that
their studies may lead not to pride, but deeper union with God. Let us pray to
the Lord.
For our parish community: that, following the example of
Saint Bonaventure, we may avoid sin, pray fervently, meditate deeply,
contemplate heavenly things, and imitate Jesus in all our words and deeds. Let
us pray to the Lord.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the
homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and
unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who
grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their
comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the faithful departed: that they may behold the Lord
face to face and enter into the perfect wisdom and joy of heaven. Let us pray
to the Lord.
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you
with all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in fitting prayer they
may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
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