“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” – Matthew 11: 25
Unless you grew up in a parish, or went to a school or college dedicated to St. Bonaventure, (or maybe happen to be a Franciscan), it’s likely you never heard of today’s saint who lived in the 13th century. He is known as a preaching mystic who closely joined theology with holiness of life. At his funeral Mass it is said “many were in tears, for the Lord granted him the grace, that whoever came to know him was forthwith drawn to a deep love of him.”
Bonaventure (it strikes me) is a perfect match with today’s Gospel. A worthy example of the kind of relationship Jesus had with his Father God. You sense this closeness in the way He addresses His Father. “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” It is what comes next that tugs at your heart strings. “No one knows the Father, but the Son.” In our parlance, isn’t He saying: “Papa, no one knows you like I do.” Then, He includes us in that special bond between child and parent. Jesus assures us He will reveal the Father to those to whom “it shall please the Son to reveal him.”
Jesus came into the world to fulfill the plan of the Father and He gave himself completely to that mission. No matter what happens in life, even a pandemic, Jesus is always with us, blessing us and revealing the Father’s love to draw us closer to God. His is a genuine invitation to “come to me all you who labor”. Am I open to receiving that precious gift from God’s own Son? Please, God, let not pride keep me from knowing God’s gift of love and wisdom and the truth “that that sets us free”.
Am I open to receiving that precious gift from God’s own Son?
Please, God, let not pride keep me from knowing God’s gift of love and wisdom and the truth “that that sets us free”.
Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., is currently the prioress (president) of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo. Sister serves on the diocesan Commission for Religious. She is the former principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida, and Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida. This year, Sister Roberta is celebrating her 60th Jubilee in religious life.