LOVE THE CRUCIFIED JESUS
The
Church celebrates the life of St. Bonaventure, a son of the Order of
Franciscan Minor. He wrote extensively on the life of his beloved
founder, Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure believed in the dignity of the
human person, who possesses a rational mind to study and live the truths
of the faith. Remarkably intelligent yet simple, he offers the Church a
legacy of instruction and meditation on the spiritual life.
Legend has it that when Francis was recalling the events of Bonaventure’s childhood, he cried out, “O buona ventura,”
meaning “good luck” in Italian. He was baptized John, but it was
changed due to his miraculous recovery through the intercession of St.
Francis. Francis was moved by the tears of Bonaventure’s mother who
pleaded for the health of her son. At a young age, his mother made a vow
to dedicate to God her beloved son.
Bonaventure was touched by the crucifix which became his constant
refrain: “I study and read at the foot of the crucifix.” His wealth of knowledge, loving pastoral care to the sick, and joyful simplicity all came from
the Crucified Love in Jesus. As we meditate on the Gospel, we see it
fulfilled in the life of Bonaventure. He was truly a missionary of the
heart of
God. Bonaventure had a profound devotion to the Sacred Heart that left
him with a strong sense of ardent love, compassion and merciful
attendance to those with
great illnesses. He brought the power of words to his people. Biographers note that his words were inflamed with fire of the love of God, affectionately known as the Seraphic Doctor.
The following excerpt is taken from the lengthy prayer of Bonaventure.
Read it slowly for your own meditation: “Be Thou alone ever my hope, my entire confidence, my riches, my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest and tranquility,
my peace, my sweetness, my food, my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my
wisdom, my portion, my possession, my treasure; in Whom may my mind and my heart be ever fixed and firm and rooted immovably. Amen.” Fr. Brian
Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: What does the crucifix mean to you?
Jesus, help me to love You more and more, as I gaze on You at the cross.
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