ST BONAVENTURE, B.D. (Memorial) White

Bonaventure joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor at the age of 22 and became the General of the Order at the age of 36. He studied theology and philosophy in Paris. He spoke at the Council of Lyons as a Papal legate but died before its close. Following St Francis of Assisi, Bonaventure expressed charity, goodwill and affection towards others and was known as the Seraphic Doctor of the Church because he revealed warmth toward others as a divine fire.

First Reading: Is 38:1-6. 7-8. 21-22; Psalm: 38 R. v. 17cd; Gospel: Mt 12:1-8

THE REWARD OF RIGHTEOUS LIVING

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

What if God decides that we are all going to die and can only qualify to live again by a reasonable percentage of the good things we have done. How many of us would live again? How many are the good things we have done that God can leverage on to show us mercy? Is it possible we can’t even count one or two? Kindness begets kindness. The merciful receives mercy (Mt 5:7). The healing of King Hezekiah reveals God’s mercy upon those who hold him in fear. So no good deed done goes unnoticed by God.

On his sick bed, King Hezekiah cried to God even after the prophet Isaiah told him that his sickness would claim his life. Hezekiah did not lack what to leverage on in seeking God’s mercy. He recounted his righteous ways and the ardent effort he made in living a good life. It was not as if God did not remember all his good deeds. God was rather disclosing to us by his healing that it pays to be good. For God heard his cry and added more years to his life span.

Those who have battled a near death sickness on a sick bed often observe that a host of their bad and good actions hover around their minds as they see death approaching. They usually become increasingly frightened when they discover that they had done only a little amount of good but numerous sinful actions. The fear of losing everything and the fear of their final destination grips them. At this point some begin to wish for a second chance. This last moment of life can actually be less tensed for us only if we make good use of our time in doing good. Righteous living pays. King Hezekiah’s case is a sign of the blessing of eternal life to those who do God’s will. Just like St Bonaventure we can share in the life of heaven through charity and righteous living

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Merciful God, may our desire to do your will increase. Amen.