St. Bnaventure

Called the Second Founder of the Franciscans and "The Seraphic Doctor," St. Bonaventure entered the Franciscans a dozen years or so after the death of St. Francis, seeing the Order as definitely founded by God for ALL:  scholar, doorkeeper, beggar.  There was much turmoil among the Franciscans at that time; numbers had grown immensely in a short time, and divisions were rampant over how to live the ideal of poverty and accommodate such large, diverse numbers.  Bonaventure was chosen as Superior General and was able to carve out a balance between the extremists and unite them in harmonious moderation.  He was a Doctor of theology, yet lived simply enough to wash dishes with his brethren. The story is told that when an emissary from the Pope arrived carrying a red cardinal's hat for him, he had to wash his greasy, dishwater hands before accepting it.  He was able to find time to write a definitive biography of St. Francis and several theological works despite the demands of governing the Order.
Today's Gospel, Matthew 10: 24-33, tell us that we must preach in the light what we hear in the dark; to fear not those who can kill the body, bur rather those who can kill both soul and body, and to acknowledge our faith and allegiance to the Father fearlessly.  Bonaventure is a man who lived this message, and whose example encourages us to do the same.  How blessed we are to have him and so many others as models to show us the way to the sainthood for which we were created.
Bro. Rene