Today we celebrate the feast of St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor in our Church. Bonaventure lived during the 13th century a member of the Franciscans Minor. A contemporary of St. Thomas Aquinas, he was a theologian, philosopher, preacher, teacher, and regarded as a mystic. His writings and preaching inspired many; drawing them away from mediocrity into a deep and vibrant faith.
In his text, The Journey of the Mind of God, Bonaventure muses that Christ Jesus "... is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle ..." Bonaventure asks that we direct our entire being to the cross and its meaning. Persons who live in this mystery of faith can experience the fullness of wonder and joy as they meditate on the foundation of the faith we profess. Like so many other of our saints and holy men and women, it is vital for us to have a solid cognitive knowledge of our faith, in addition to being in love with Christ.
It is good for us to understand the story of our faith, in addition to knowing the basic premise of what we believe in. Sadly many in today's world have a very shallow understanding of their profession of faith, and the teachings of the Church. St. Bonaventure is shown to be a gentle teacher who was full of Joy. We are invited to make our journey of faith one in union with Christ, to know his Word among us, and to share it with joy.
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