FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MERCY - 7/15/22 (Memorial of Saint Bonaventure)

Matthew 12:7

“If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071522.cfm

For more information on the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-15---saint-bonaventure-bishop-and-doctor/

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Blessed Memorial of Saint Bonaventure! Our Lord Jesus reminds us, as He told the Pharisees, that He desires mercy, not sacrifice. He does not mean that sacrifices are wrong. In fact, He made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, and He invites all of us to imitate Him and carry our own crosses. However, the Pharisees was so focused on the exterior actions and sacrifices that they easily judged the disciples, who were actually innocent. It was Sabbath when they picked up grains to eat and to satisfy their hunger. And yet, the Pharisees condemned their actions because they were rigorous in thinking that there should be no literal work during the Sabbath. 

The Pharisees were not merciful towards the disciples and towards other men. They did not care whether they were hungry or not. But, besides this, it's important for us to reflect as to why the Pharisees did such actions. Perhaps, they themselves misunderstood the purpose of Sabbath. The Sabbath is the day of rest. It's true that physically, we need to take rest to find strength. At the same time, its deeper meaning is that God is our Rest. The hunger of the disciples of Christ represents our own hunger and longing for the love and graces that only God can satisfy. We are reminded by our Lord to not look at Sunday, and even our Catholic faith, from a legalistic perspective where we should do things just because we are told to do so. Instead, we should look at it from the perspective of God's mercy. 

St. Bonaventure was a contemporary of another saint and doctor, St. Thomas Aquinas. One day, St. Thomas Aquinas asked St. Bonaventure on the source of his knowledge and wisdom. St. Bonaventure only did one thing, and he pointed at the crucifix. The way for us to persevere in sanctity and holiness is for us to believe in the mercy of our Crucified Lord, Jesus Christ. The same Jesus who offered Himself on the Cross is present in the Tabernacles and in every Mas because the Eucharist is Jesus. In the Mass, we can witness with the eyes of our faith His love as He makes present His sacrifice during the consecration. Despite our unworthiness and sinfulness, He still chooses to give Himself wholeheartedly just for us to have eternal life. 

Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath, and He is more important than the Jewish Temple. And, He chooses to dwell within our temples, our bodies, in the Holy Communion. For some of us, we may be far from the Mass for a long time. We may look at it from a legalistic perspective as if only those who are "good" should be in it. But, it's far from the truth. Our Divine Physician wants to heal us from our spiritual illnesses. Let's not be afraid to come to the sacrament of confession for our souls to be purified and healed from all sins, especially grave sins. Jesus is present 24/7 in the Blessed Sacrament in every Church and Mass. God desires mercy. As such, let's be merciful with ourselves by coming to our Lord, and we will find rest in Him. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic