In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we hear how God uses the Assyrians to punish Israel for the way they have turned away from God. The Assyrians take credit for this themselves. This should serve as a warning for us of the dangers of spiritual pride. No matter our power or our success, we should see the role God has in our lives.
St. Bonaventure was born in Italy in 1221. He entered the Franciscans as a young man after having been very sickly as a young boy and after have been inspired by St Francis of Assisi through that illness. Bonaventure not only gives us the example of a great theologian and accomplished scholar, but he also led a life of great holiness & devotion. Known as the "Seraphic Doctor" for the warmth and charity of his writings, he was instrumental in shaping the Franciscan Order, integrating faith with rational thought, and promoting mysticism based on experience. One of his famous quotes states: “When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that (voice) proceeding from the mouth.” He died in 1274 at the age of 53. He was canonized in 1482 by the Franciscan Pope Sixtus IV. In 1588 he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Sixtus V, given the title the Seraphic Doctor, reflecting his profound love for God. "Seraphic" refers to the Seraphim, the highest order of angels known for their burning charity. The title reflects how Bonaventure’s theology was motivated by passionate love, prayer, and his deep mysticism.
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