Isaiah 10:5-7,13-16 ·
Psalm 93(94):5-10,14-15
Matthew 11:25-27
As a young Franciscan, Bonaventure studied philosophy and theology at the University of Paris. He was an exceptional teacher and played a significant role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the 13th century alongside his friend St. Thomas Aquinas.
Though he valued philosophy and human reason, Bonaventure emphasized that reason must be enlightened by faith and guided by divine illumination. He taught that true knowledge of the ultimate truth depends on God’s light shining into the human mind.
Bonaventure left a lasting impact on both the intellectual world and the Church. He firmly believed that even the simplest and least educated people could have a clear understanding of God’s knowledge. This Christ-centered aspect of his theology is reflected in today’s gospel, where Jesus himself says, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the wise and learned and revealing them to little children.’
It is truly a matter of divine choice whom God reveals Himself to and the secrets of the kingdom. If we turn away from sin and stay faithful to God, He will never turn away from us. He has never abandoned us, though we have many times abandoned Him. God is overflowing with love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Let’s keep growing closer to Him through faith, prayer, and living a holy life — just as Bonaventure exemplified through his words and actions as a servant of Christ.
Fr Joseph Osho