Memorial of St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
In the school for the Lord’s service, a disciple (student) can become like his teacher, but he is not above his teacher. And it is required of both teacher and disciple (after the necessary training) to be not afraid to proclaim what has been learned.
In the school for the Lord’s service, the student may become a teacher, but a teacher is always still a student. The Mother of all Virtues, humility, reminds the teacher that there is only one Teacher, and everyone needs to drink from that fountain.
In the school for the Lord’s service, classes (especially community prayer) are designed to remind the students and teacher of what is important, and the repetition of prayer lends itself to memorization.
In the school for the Lord’s service, one is encouraged to establish roots that will provide nourishment and consolation when one or the other is needed.
On this memorial of St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, we are given an example of one who learned theology and philosophy from the feet of St. Thomas Aquinas, became the leader of the Franciscan Order, and was ordained Bishop of Albano (Italy). Yet with all these titles and accolades, he never wavered in his search for God’s revelation.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections