Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16; Psalm 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15; Matthew 11:25-27
Summary
Fat Ones
For he says:
“By my own power I have done it,
and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd.
I have moved the boundaries of peoples,
their treasures I have pillaged,
and, like a giant, I have put down the enthroned.
My hand has seized like a nest
the riches of nations;
As one takes eggs left alone,
so I took in all the earth;
No one fluttered a wing,
or opened a mouth, or chirped!”
Therefore the Lord, the LORD of hosts,
will send among his fat ones leanness,
And instead of his glory there will be kindling
like the kindling of fire.
Childlike
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.
Reflection
In our sacred readings today we are treated to the contrast in perceived reality of the wise/powerful/learned and the childlike.
The first group sees the world through the lens of their power to dominate and control, seize and plunder. The second group see the world through the lens of the Lord of heaven and earth. How very different the view is! For the childlike, no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
Personal Reflection
Fat with power brings the consumption of others or be known by the Father and Son.
I’m thinking it is better to be known than fat.
For the LORD will not cast off his people,
nor abandon his inheritance;
But judgment shall again be with justice,
and all the upright of heart shall follow it (PS 94:14-15).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071526.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry