Saint Bonaventure, Bishop, Doctor
Wednesday of week 15 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 23:8-12In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples not to seek titles, prestige, or positions of honor, but to recognize that God alone is the true Master and Father. “The greatest among you must be your servant.” Humility becomes natural when God is given His rightful place at the center of our lives. Pride grows whenever we place ourselves at the center, seeking recognition, control, or admiration. But when we acknowledge that every gift, talent, and achievement comes from God, we no longer need to prove our importance to others. We are free to serve because our identity rests in being beloved children of the Father. True humility is not thinking less of ourselves; it is thinking of ourselves in the light of God. It is recognizing that He is everything, and we are His beloved servants, called to make His greatness visible rather than our own. Saint Bonaventure lived this wisdom throughout his life. Despite his extraordinary learning and influence, he remained deeply humble because he always placed Christ at the center of his life and ministry. The Gospel invites us to examine whether God truly occupies the first place in our hearts. When He does, humility ceases to be a struggle and becomes the joyful consequence of living in the truth before Him. Let’s reflect: Do I give God the first place in my life, allowing His greatness to shape my identity?
Don Giorgio