July 15, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27
Reflect on the Word //
I was deep in prayer with Jesus in my holy imagination, sitting with Him by a tranquil stream, when I realized I had a request for God the Father. Jesus encouraged me to go and ask immediately. So we set out, embarking on a journey to the Father’s house. I pictured how it would go: finding the grandeur of a heavenly castle, the Creator of the Universe on His glorious throne, and little girl me in a formal audience, tiptoeing toward Him, bowing, and timidly uttering my plea.
Yet as I let my prayer play out, I was amazed by what happened instead. We indeed arrived at a castle, but there were no crowds, guards, or holding rooms for an audience. The doors stood wide open, awaiting me. I heard a deep, booming chuckle echoing through the halls as I stepped inside, followed by the Father merrily calling my name.
Abba! The word instantly welled up in my heart in response, even though I’d never personally used it before. The Father continued to joyfully call my name, drawing me toward Him in a sort of divine Marco-Polo, and I continued to respond Abba! Abba! The Father’s call and my response became louder and more eager until I came upon Him waiting in the heart of the castle, in a literal heart-shaped room. He was down on one knee, arms stretched wide, ready to scoop me up and swing me around. All the while, Jesus stood by, gleeful and gratified to reveal the Father’s true nature to me: not only His loving Father, but my true Father (see Matthew 11:27).
You and I are that heavenly castle. At Baptism we’re imprinted with a new, permanent identity—Child of God—and the Holy Trinity comes to dwell in us. Jesus reveals the Father as both King of the Universe and our loving, doting, caring Father. The more childlike we become, the more we experience this truth.
The Father is not far away but intimately close, waiting for you. In Him, you’re never alone or abandoned. You are chosen, now and always, by a Father Who calls you by name—and calls you His.
Relate to the Lord // Imagine the Father receiving you in prayer today? What does He say? How does it feel?
