The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, July 15, 2006
St. Bonaventure, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5
Matthew 10:24-33

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher . . . "

No disciple exceeds his master, until long after leaving the master's instruction, at least in those things. However, in the divine realm it is impossible for the disciple to become more than his or her teacher.

However, Jesus points out, it is the goal and it is sufficient and commendable to become like one's master. Jesus guides us and teaches us how to become like Him. The Church shows us, "Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine."

If we are full of ourselves and full of ambition to become something more than what we are, we will never succeed in the imitation of Christ, "who though in the form of God, did not deem equality with God something to strive after." He humbled himself taking the form of a slave and was murdered for our sins. True imitation of Him cannot take any form other than humility. It starts, grows, continues, and comes to fruition in humility.

So, though we cannot attain the status of Jesus, nevertheless, He has shown us the way to become like Him.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)