While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28
“Among all the memorable events of Christ’s life, the most worthy of remembrance is that last banquet, the most sacred supper. Here not only the pascal lamb was presented to be eaten but also the immaculate Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world…
In this banquet the marvelous sweetness of Christ’s goodness shone forth when he dined at the same table and on the same plates as those poor disciples and the traitor Judas. The marvelous example of his humility shone forth when, girt with a towel, the King of Glory diligently washed the feet of the fisherman and even his betrayer.
The marvelous richness of his generosity was manifest when he gave those first priests, and as a consequence to the whole Church and the world, his most sacred body and his true blood as food and drink so that what was soon to be a sacrifice pleasing to God and the priceless price of our redemption…”
Giovanni di Fidanza (1221-1274) known more commonly as Bonaventure, in The Tree of Life, 16 (Mahwah: Paulist Press, 1978) 139 (italics mine).
Jenni and I have arrived safely in Hungary. The header photo features the view from our room at the Budapest Hilton on our first morning (we are giving thanks to God as we paid the AAA rate and got a free upgrade to this river view room as a frequent stayer). The parliament building is on the right with the Danube River flowing around Margaret Island on the left. It’s a frosty 21 degrees here.
I found this reading on the trip as I continue reading excerpts of famous Christian writings through church history. Why read Bonaventure? As a close companion to Francis of Assisi, Bonaventure had come to know Christ and wanted the whole world to know him. That’s the common trait of each person attending this Budapest Summit.
This post is also fitting as the summit begins tonight with a banquet, a gathering of about 90 men and women from 30-40 countries that use a program called “International Saline” to equip medical professionals to serve as witnesses for Christ around the world as the salt of the earth. The group has convened to consider ways for greater missional collaboration. Jenni and I are here to wash their proverbial feet.
The word marvelous appears three times and struck me as I read this excerpt. Because of the “marvelous sweetness of Christ’s goodness,” the “marvelous example of his humility,” and the “marvelous richness of his generosity” a few ordinary people (the first disciples of Jesus) were redeemed from sin and would make known the good news of salvation in Christ to the whole world.
Francis and Bonaventure had a part in making Christ known in their day, and we get to do the same in ours. That’s what we are praying for at this Summit. Jenni and I pray the attendees experience the marvelous generosity of Christ and the marvelous unity of the Holy Spirit to work together on mission, so that the marvelous goodness of God may be made known to the whole world.