Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Bonaventure

Displaying the Body of Saint Bonaventure, Painted by Francisco de Zurbarán, 1629 © Louvre Museum, Paris

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 15 July 2023
Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: 'The disciple is not superior to his teacher, nor the slave to his master. It is enough for the disciple that he should grow to be like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, what will they not say of his household?

'Do not be afraid of them therefore. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

'Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

'So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Bonaventure, Franciscan theologian and philosopher. Our painting by Francisco de Zurbarán depicts Saint Bonaventure lying in state, holding a crucifix. Zurbarán painted a series on Saint Bonaventure. Our painting is the last in the series. On the left the two figures holding a conversation are James I of Aragon and Pope Gregory X. Bonaventure was instrumental in procuring the election of Pope Gregory X, who then insisted on Bonaventure's presence at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274. After Bonaventure's significant contributions led to a union of the Greek and Latin churches, Saint Bonaventure became seriously ill whilst the Council was still taking place and he died (some say in suspicious circumstances).

Saint Bonaventure is by many regarded as the second founder of the Franciscan Order. Like his model, Saint Francis, Saint Bonaventure put Jesus at the very centre of everything: his theological, philosophical and pastoral works all revolved around the person of Christ. Pope Benedict a few years ago said about him that 'the whole of Saint Bonaventure's thinking was profoundly Christocentric'.

Today's Gospel reading starts with the words 'Come to me'. Jesus invites us all the time to come to Him, to get close to Him. Saint Bonaventure fully accepted this invitation…

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-10-24-33-2023/