Thursday, May 11 : Saint Bonaventure

Whoever turns his face fully to the Mercy Seat, and with faith, hope and love, devotion, admiration, exultation, appreciation, praise and joy beholds him hanging upon the cross, such a one makes the Pasch, that is, the passover, with Christ. By the staff of the cross he passes over the Red Sea, (cf. Ex 14,16) going from Egypt into the desert, where he will taste the “hidden manna” (Rv 2,17); and with Christ he rests in the tomb, as if dead to the outer world, but experiencing, as far as is possible in this wayfarer’s state, what was said on the cross to the thief who adhered to Christ; “Today you shall be with me in paradise” (Lk 23,43)… In this passing over, if it is to be perfect, all intellectual activities must be left behind and the height of our affection must be totally transferred and transformed into God. This, however, is mystical and most secret, which “no one knows except him who receives it” (Rv 2,17)… But if you wish to know how these things come about, ask grace not instruction, desire not understanding, the groaning of prayer not diligent reading, the Spouse not the teacher, God not man.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team