Gospel in Art: Saint Bonaventure, Bishop, Doctor

St Bonaventure receiving the Habit from St Francis, by Francisco de Herrera the Elder, 1628 ©Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 15 July 2025
Matthew 11:20-24

At that time: Jesus began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 'Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgement for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Bonaventure, the great Franciscan theologian, philosopher, and Doctor of the Church. The painting we reflect upon today is one of a series of eight works by Herrera and Zurbarán, created for the church of the Collegio de San Buenaventura in Seville, illustrating key moments from the life of Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274). This particular canvas depicts the young Bonaventure kneeling before Saint Francis of Assisi, receiving the Franciscan habit. The artists chose a palette of earthy beige and brown tones throughout the series, visually echoing the simplicity of the Franciscan habit and spirit.

Saint Bonaventure is often regarded as the second founder of the Franciscan Order. Like Saint Francis, he placed Christ at the very heart of his theology, philosophy, and pastoral vision. All his writings flow from a deep love of Christ. His seminal work, The Journey of the Mind to God, offers a profound reflection on how reason and faith together lead the soul towards union with God. In Bonaventure, we encounter a theologian whose intellect was matched by deep humility and burning devotion. He lived as a man in whom faith illuminated reason, and reason deepened faith. For him, the love of God and the pursuit of truth were not two paths, but one single journey of the heart and mind toward the divine.

The painting draws us into a moment of reverence. The scene unfolds within a simple, dimly lit interior, underscoring the solemnity of the occasion. Bonaventure kneels in an attitude of humility and devotion, his youthful form ready to embrace the Franciscan way of life with great enthusiasm. Before him, Saint Francis sits with gentle authority, presenting the habit, a gesture rich in symbolism. It marks not only Bonaventure's formal entry into the Order, but also the spiritual passing of Franciscan ideals to the young theologian, who would go on to articulate them for generations to come.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-11-20-24-2025/ (with audio)

New Video: The Face of Christ: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/52811