Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus exclaimed: “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. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I don’t want to ever reject you, but always to give you comfort by accepting your word. Thank you for giving me a glimpse into God’s love as my Father and his desires for me as his beloved child. May I pray with renewed eagerness to learn and discover what awesome plans the Father has for me today.
Encountering Christ:
- Knowing the Father: God sent us his beloved Son as the very revelation of himself. He wants to be known and loved by us. Jesus Christ is the window through which our human hearts can know God. Christ’s very identity derived from his being from God. The more we go to Jesus—look to him, learn from him, speak with him, listen to his words—the more we will be discovering God the Father and how much he loves us. Jesus always turns to the Father expressing praise, awe, and thanksgiving. How much we can discover God’s love by turning our hearts and words in gratitude to him for all he gives and does for us!
- Simplicity of Heart: Our hearts yearn to enter into this intimate relationship with God the Father and Son. Yet, the more we try to figure out, understand, or grasp it, the more elusive it can seem. There is only one condition needed to experience, know, and accept this knowledge of God. It is revealed to us by way of encountering it, not as an intellectual exercise or the result of an achievement, but by becoming childlike, being simple. Jesus teaches us that intimacy with God requires letting go of any self-sufficiency. A childlike heart believes what the Father says is true, trusts in his promises, and knows what he asks us to do is for our good. The more we put our trust in God, and not in ourselves, the more we will encounter him and experience his love.
- Trust in God: Jesus knows who he is and from whom he has received what has been entrusted to him. His confidence is in the assured knowledge of his Father’s love. We are about to begin another day’s work. It can be tedious and wearisome to set out on our own. Having a good friend in Jesus at our side lightens the load considerably. Whatever burden, self-sufficiency, or challenge lay ahead, we know Jesus Christ wants to bear them with us. We are not alone; he is there to shoulder every joy and sorrow. He reminds us to keep turning to our Father, whose love provides and takes care of all we need.
Conversing with Christ: I want to be closer to you, Lord. I want to know what is on your heart, what concerns you, and what gives you joy and consolation. I want to know how happy you are with me and how pleased you are for creating me. I want to see your face and to encounter you in all things. Lord, let me see you and know you better through the events and people I encounter today.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will see everything as a gift of your love for me. Turning to you with thanks and praise, I will not begin anything today without first inviting you to be with me and strengthen me.
Lucy Honner is a Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi and the Assistant Director of Campus Ministry at University Catholic, a community of students in the Nashville area who are serious about their faith. Since 1998, she has exercised her apostolate as a speaker, spiritual director, integrated health coach, and retreat director throughout North America.
