The Journey of the Mind Into God
St. Bonaventure’s meditation upon the seraphic vision of St. Francis, in which he received the stigmata, produced his great treatise — The Journey of the Mind Into God. There he plumbs the depths of the conformity of St. Francis to Christ, and the meaning of the seraphic wings behind the crucifix: two wings pointing downward — as we face the needs and concerns of the day; two wings pointing outward to encompass our neighbor, and two wings drawing upon the grace of heaven.
Today be reminded that the Crucified Christ pins himself to your everyday. As your daily struggles flow to the cross, Christ’s grace flows to you.
The Journey of the Mind Into God can be read at Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio’s, The Crossroads Initiative.
Who Was St. Bonaventure?
St. Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274) was a Franciscan friar, theologian, minister general of the Franciscan Order, bishop, cardinal, and Doctor of the Church. Often called the Seraphic Doctor, he joined careful study with a deeply contemplative love of Christ. His feast day is July 15.
For Bonaventure, Christian wisdom could never remain an abstract idea. Knowledge of God should lead to worship, conversion, and charity. The mind rises toward God when the whole person—intellect, affections, choices, and daily work—is directed toward Him.
Practical Charity in Daily Life
Practical charity begins by noticing the person or duty God has placed before us. It may mean listening patiently, completing an unnoticed task, forgiving an offense, praying for someone in need, or offering concrete help. These ordinary acts unite contemplation with service.
St. Bonaventure’s vision belongs within the wider Franciscan way of life: receive grace from God, recognize Christ in others, and let prayer become generous action.