Bonaventure quotes

Bonaventure was an Italian medieval Franciscan theologian and philosopher, known for his influential works in scholasticism. Recognized as the "Seraphic Doctor," his writings bridged faith and reason and shaped Christian thought. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Franciscan intellectual tradition and led the order as Minister General. Here are 6 of his quotes:

He would confidently affirm that the grace of prayerfulness should be more desired than all others by the religious man, and, believing that without it no good could be wrought in the service of God, he would stir up his Brethren unto zeal therefore by all means that he could. For, whether walking or sitting, within doors or without, in toil or at leisure, he was so absorbed in prayer as that he seemed to have devoted thereunto not only his whole heart and body, but also his whole labor and time. (Bonaventure)
Though a superior is rather to be loved, yet by the insolent he ought to be feared. View quote
Bonaventure
Christ's death on the Cross should live in our thoughts and imagination, for frequent thought on the Passion of Christ keeps aflame and brings to intense heat the fires of earnest piety. View quote
Bonaventure
The virtue of gratitude is extremely commendable and pleasing in the sight of God, as its opposite is a detestable vice before him. Of which subject, thus speaks St. Bernard: Learn to be thankful for every grace received. Consider diligently the favors heaped upon you, that no gift of God be defrauded of the due return of gratitude and thanksgiving you ought to make, whether the gift be great, middling, or little. View quote
Bonaventure
But the soul cannot have any virtue if God is not loved with all the heart; for from that love flows the fulness of all grace, and without it no grace can flow into the soul, nor can it abide in it. View quote
Bonaventure
Let us not believe that it is enough to read without unction, to speculate without devotion, to investigate without wonder, to observe without joy, to act without godly zeal, to know without love, to understand without humility, to strive without divine grace, or to reflect as a mirror without divinely inspired wisdom. View quote
Bonaventure