May 9, 2024

Hello John,

Meditation from Head, Heart, and Hands:

The early Christian theologian St. Irenaeus proclaimed, “The glory of God is a human fully alive.” Bonaventure affirmed that Christ reveals what it means to be fully alive and fully human as well as divinity made flesh. When we follow Jesus’s path, as did Francis of Assisi, we become fully alive as well. Christ is the source, embodiment, and guide to fulfilling our destiny as humans created in the image of God.

Can you think of a time when it felt like you were a “human fully alive”? I’m reminded of my recent pilgrimage to Assisi. Wonder animated my days. Prayer permeated the pilgrimage. It felt like my heart and mind were firing on all cylinders. It was, without a doubt, a spiritual high.

Though mountaintop experiences are impossible to sustain, I think they help remind us of the depth of our “aliveness.” Most days I feel more like a “human doing” than a “human being.” Francis modeled for us a lifestyle of prayer and solitude as he sought to imitate Christ. It is a reminder to me, particularly when I’m caught up in rampant “doing,” to get back to being. To return to Assisi.

I hope you enjoy Head, Heart, and Handsas you, in seeking to become more human, also become more divine as you allow Christ to animate our head, heart, and hands.

Blessings, 

Stephen Copeland

Book Editor, Franciscan Media

Saint of the Day for May 9: John of Avila

(c. 1500 – May 10, 1569)

Saint John of Avila’s Story

Born in the Castile region of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca to study law. He later moved to Alcala, where he studied philosophy and theology before his ordination as a diocesan priest.

After John’s parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville, hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia. During nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a perceptive spiritual director, and a wise confessor.

Because John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and giving spiritual direction to young people.

He was friends with Saints Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and Teresa of Avila. John of Avila worked closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and its colonies. John’s mystical writings have been translated into several languages.

He was beatified in 1894, canonized in 1970, and declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012. St. John of Avila’s liturgical feast is celebrated on May 10.

Reflection

Saint John of Avila knew that the lives of Christians can contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ—for example thinking racism is OK—implicitly encouraging Christians to live their faith-halfheartedly, and causing obstacles to non-Christians who might accept Baptism. In 16th-century Spain, those who advocated reforming the Church were often suspected of heresy. Saint John of Avila held his ground and was eventually recognized as a very reliable teacher of the Christian faith.

John of Avila is the Patron Saint of:

Andalusia, Spain

"We compose documents on cell phones and laptops; Bonaventure used a quill pen on parchment. We delight in photos from the Webb telescope; Bonaventure marveled at a sky full of stars visible to the naked eye."

—from Head, Heart, and Hands: An Introduction to Saint Bonaventure.

It is easy to imagine Mary feeling stress during her early years with Jesus in this passing world. Simeon’s prophecy about her Son during his presentation in the temple— “and you yourself a sword will pierce” (Luke 2:35)—must have articulated a fear she had already considered. Mary treasured and pondered in her heart every experience with her child, and yet she was able to allow them to slip away through her fingers and not weigh her down. She trusted God. She trusted in his goodness and his plan.

Creation continues. Moments come and go, but God’s plan is eternal. One must be in a way awakened to notice the creative process occurring in every moment. Mary is the perfect example of someone who was wide awake in a sleeping world. Once awakened ourselves, we are able to participate in his beautiful mystery with our own loose brush strokes that may seem hasty, but in retrospect, complete God’s masterpiece.

—from the book Universal Mother: A Journal for Finding Yourself in Mary
by Holly Schapker and Cecelia Dorger

Embrace the inspiring spiritual life of Saint Bonaventure that still resonates today!

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