St Bonaventure.

Thursday, 15 July 2010

Saint Bonaventure
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
(1218-1274)

From: Nivard …

Subject: Re: ζυγόν zugon yoke - 'My Yoke is Easy'
To: Donald
Date: Thursday, 15 July, 2010, 11:16

Introduction today's Mass What does the yoke of Jesus refer to, in today's gospel? The Jews used the image of a yoke to express submission to God. Jesus says his yoke is "easy". The Greek word for "easy" can also mean "well-fitting". Yokes were tailor-made to fit the oxen well. Oxen were yoked two by two. Jesus invites us to be yoked with him, to unite our life with his life, our will with his will, and our heart with his heart. To be yoked with Jesus is to be united with him in a relationship of love, trust, and obedience. This morning we celebrate the feast of St Bonaventure. He is styled the 'Seraphic Docter'. To know him was to love him on the spot, love at first sight! He exemplifies in a wonderful way what it means to share the single yoke with Jesus, tailor made to fit two people. (By a strange quirk of memory it calls to mind the old song: 'Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer do. I'm half crazy, all for the love of you. We can't afford a new carriage But we'll look sweet going down the street on a bicycle built for two'!