The Memorial of St Bonaventure

Ex. 1:8-14.22, Mt. 10:34-11:1. Beginning from today, the readings from the Book of Exodus lead us to the appearance of God on Mount Sinai (Ex. 19), followed by the guidelines for keeping the covenant (Ex. 20-23) and its solemn ratification (Ex. 24). Today's first reading records how a new king who “did not know Joseph” came to power in Egypt and the Israelites were reduced to slave labourers. The people of God were oppressed because of racial bias and nationalistic envy. Fidelity to God becomes the only consolation to Israel’s way to stay at peace. Today, we are reminded, implicitly in the first reading and explicitly in today's Gospel, that following the will of God can be difficult, even at times disruptive of peace. Jesus paradoxically states: “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

This statement refers to the conflict that can arise in the course of our lives as we uphold the Gospel value. Basically, Jesus wants us to be welcoming people, thankful for what others may offer us. Even such a simple gift as a cup of water will be noted to our credit, in the book of life. St Bonaventure (1217-1274) whose memorial we celebrate, offered himself to God totally. Hence, He affirms: "To recognise God within us is to let go in freedom, of clinging to that which is not God." Through his writings, he presented the way a person as a creature ought to love and contemplate God through Christ after the example of St Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure lived his life with Christ by living in right relationship with all creatures.

May the Lord stay with us and with everyone we meet this day and let us give His joy and peace to the world! Amen!! Good morning, have a fruitful week!!!