Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7; Mt 10:24-33
Notes: It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master.
Jesus is the Teacher and the Master and, as we know, Lord.
My Dad drove trucks.
I have driven many different trucks just like my Dad and it makes me happy.
When I drive trucks for the Guatemala-Maya Center and am triply happy.
- I’m driving trucks like my Dad.
- I’m feeding the poor and tending to the downtrodden like my Master.
- I am working as the body of the Church in physical and mystical charity like the saints of old.
We are happy to be like Jesus as a son tries to be like his father.
In today’s first reading we see the unity of spirit even in the burial rituals.
Jacob is to be buried with his grandfather, father and brothers and their wives.
Joseph is to be buried with his patriarchs as well.
Both in life and in death we consider each other and try to be our best reflection of the Lord who loves us.
It is enough in the power of Jesus to do the healing effects of Jesus. It is enough in the power of the Holy Spirit to teach and lead others in the way of the beatitudes. It is enough in the likeness of the Father to bind everyone into the embrace of love.
Reflection on Bonaventrure by Franciscans.
Bonaventure so united holiness and theological knowledge that he rose to the heights of mysticism while remaining a very active preacher and teacher, one beloved by all who met him. To know him was to love him; to read him is still for us today to meet a true Franciscan and a gentleman.
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bonaventure/
First Reading
There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, and so are Isaac and his wife Rebekah, and there, too, I buried Leah– the field and the cave in it that had been purchased from the Hittites.”
Joseph said to his brothers: “I am about to die. God will surely take care of you and lead you out of this land to the land that he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Then, putting the sons of Israel under oath, he continued, “When God thus takes care of you, you must bring my bones up with you from this place.” Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten.
Much later… Moses also took Joseph’s bones with him, for Joseph had made the Israelites take a solemn oath, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you must bring my bones up with you from here. (Ex 13:19).
Responsorial
Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Gospel Acclamation
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.
Gospel
It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
May each of us be blessed with memories of our fathers’ skills, as they live on through us and within us.
Amen!