Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the
Church
(Isaiah 10:5-7.13b-16; Matthew 11:25-27)
Today’s gospel is understood as an insight into Jesus’
divinity. The Passage is often
introduced as a “Johannine thunderbolt in a Matthean sky.” Recognizing Jesus as God’s Son is a dominant theme
of John’s Gospel. But Matthew as well has
a “high Christology” which sees Jesus very much as divine.
Another critical aspect of the passage is its context. Jesus has just expressed his frustration with
the cities of Galilee for their rejection of him. “’Woe to Chorazin’” and “’woe to Bethsaida,’”
he lamented in yesterday’s gospel. And yet
in this very next passage he praises his Father for enabling the poor, the
simple, and public sinners to accept his message. By no means is Jesus a feint-hearted
man. In both good and bad times he is
able to praise God, his Father.
We can see in today’s patron, Saint Bonaventure, a like
spirit. He was both an extremely gifted
and a humble person. Although a
professor of theology at the University of Paris, Bonaventure became the leader
of the Franciscans. Navigating between the regulars and the Spiritualists of
the Order, Bonaventure was able to support the intellectual ministry while maintaining
a simple life.
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