Today's Gospel in Art - Feast of Saint Bonaventure

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

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 15th July 2021 - Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.'

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

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/868
Christian Art - www.christian.art