As we listen to our readings, and learn more about the saint we celebrate today, St. Bonaventure, one thing is clear: the towns where Jesus taught and healed were indifferent to him, Bonaventure was not.
Jesus says, “Woe to you, Chorazin and Bethsaida”. Yes, Jesus is upset, but not because his self-esteem has been hurt, or because he’s been insulted. Rather, he’s brokenhearted because he’s been offering the people the most precious thing in the world, God’s love and forgiveness, and they were indifferent to his lifegiving message.
Bonaventure, on the other hand, was far from indifferent to Christ’s message. Born in Italy in 1221, he began to model his life after St. Francis of Assisi whom he deeply admired. As a young man, he became a Franciscan, eventually becoming the Master General. He led his friars as Francis had: humbly, poorly, and with a deep love for the poor. When he attended the University of Paris, he devoted all his studies to becoming more like Jesus. He wrote: “In all your deeds and words you should look upon this Jesus as your model. Do so whether you are walking or keeping silence, or speaking, whether you are alone or with others. He is perfect, and thus you will be not only irreprehensible, but praiseworthy.” As a result of his studies and zeal for Christ, St. Bonaventure became a Doctor of the Church. He has been described as gentle, courteous, pleasing to everyone, compassionate, and adorned with all virtues.
Then we look at ourselves. Isn’t it true that we all go through periods of spiritual indifference? We become distracted and busy about many other things in life, or get overwhelmed with responsibilities, or become complacent and begin to take God for granted.
Pope Francis, however, had this to say about indifference: “Indifference is dangerous, whether innocent or not.” But he also offered us a remedy when he spoke these words: “In a world that is unfortunately afflicted by the virus of indifference, works of mercy are the best antidote.” And of course, there are other practices our Catholic faith offers us that can help us renew our spiritual life: Mass, the sacrament of reconciliation, Adoration, prayer, fasting, service, and even just being silent before God.
We know we are best when we are listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and walking closely with Christ. During these summer days of physical rejuvenation, may we also spend time renewing our spiritual life, surrendering to God, and reflecting on the question Jesus asks the people of those cities in our gospel today: Will you be exalted to heaven?
