Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Ex 3:13-20; PS 105:1 and 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27; Mt 11:28-30
Notes: Here is a link to a write up on this great Saint!
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169
In the first Reformation, 16th-century, the Church was explicitly challenged on her teachings and practices.
- Some of these objections were spot on (material excesses, poor theology of priests).
- Some of these objections were excessive or in error (reduced sacramental system).
The Church was slow to respond or anemic in her efforts and the damage was done.
The Counter Reformation in 16th and early 17th centuries addressed the reforms and the errors noted above.
Of this whole episode in history both good and bad came about.
Today.
Today we are in the second Reformation.
The culture wars are a clear indication of discontent and disbelief of the faith system.
We are in a second Reformation or if you prefer the second wave of The Age of Enlightenment.
- Some of these objections are spot on (material excesses, poor theology).
- Some of these objections are excessive or in error (reduced sacramental system).
The key will be in the reforms which are not even in infancy yet.
Pope Francis said it well:
Truth is essential.
Truth without love is unbearable.
We have allowed our systematic Thomistic philosophy to navigate us through the pastoral responses of the current age and it is failing miserably. This is either because we don’t understand St Thomas or we need to reform the secondary application of Saint Thomas.
This is a journey we must take: the second Counter Reformation.
“O Buona ventura”-O good fortune!
Pray for us!!
First reading
In the first reading the Lord is trying to convince Moses of the right act needed to be taken: to free the Hebrews from slavery.
He steps Moses through a tree of faith:
- Person: Have faith in the unnamed God who is I AM.
- History: Have faith in the God of your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
- Promise: Have faith in the promise given Abraham (the Promised Land).
- Capacity: Have faith in my power.
- Will: Have faith I will act.
Have faith.
Act.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations
Which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
Alleluia Verse
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
Remembering Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob then we can easily see the promises made by Jesus:
- Person: Have faith in the name of Jesus “God Saves“.
- History: Have faith in the God of your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of whom I am Son.
- Promise: Have faith in the promise given by Jesus “Resurrection and Salvation“.
- Capacity: Have faith in my power.
- Will: Have faith I will act.
Have faith.
Act.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 