+ St. Bernard of Clairvaux is an enormously large saint in the Catholic Church: he was one of the greatest monastic leaders and theologians in its history. He has sometimes been referred to as "the last of the Western Fathers of the Church." Born to an aristocratic family near Dijon, France, he became a monk at age twenty-two at a poverty-stricken, reformed monastery at Citeaux, located a few miles from his family's estate. It had the strictest monastic Rule of the time. He persuaded about thirty of his relatives and friends to join him there. Three years later he was made abbot of a new foundation at Clairvaux, a post he would hold for the next thirty-eight years. At first, and by his own admission, he was too strict on the monks, but later relented. The monastery prospered, establishing other foundations in France, Britain, and Ireland. By the time of his death there were some seven hundred monks at Clairvaux alone.
In spite of his commitment to a life of solitude and seclusion from the world, Bernard was extremely active in the affairs of the Church. He secured approval for the new order of Knights Templar, whose Rule he had written, dedicated to supporting the Crusades and to the care of the sick and of pilgrims. He was involved in Church politics, always defending the Holy See in Rome. He preached against heresies. He wrote classic treatises such as On Loving God. His best known work is his eighty-six sermons on the Canticle of Canticles (The Song of Songs in Scripture), which ranged from reflections on the practical life of a monk to the mystical union between Christ the bridegroom and the Church as the bride. He was also influential in promoting devotion to the humanity of Christ and to the Blessed Mother. Bernard died in 1153, was canonized in 1174 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1839.
The readings today fit well the feast: Sirach speaks of one who is practiced in the law (of God) who will come to wisdom: which will in turn nourish him with the bread of understanding, will hold him up when his spirit is drooping, will fill him with joy and gladness, giving him an everlasting name as an inheritance. The gospel passage is from the priestly prayer of Jesus who prays for his Apostles and their helpers who would go out and down throughout the ages to make known the will and ways of God – for the sanctification of souls and the glory of the Father. When they have done this, they will share in the reward and joy that God has prepared for them as faithful servants and friends of his Son.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us this day, that we may revel in the Lord's gift of wisdom, and labor for the good of souls – including our own – just as you did!
Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever live in me and I in him will bear much fruit!
No comments:
Post a Comment