Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Bernard, Abb. D., (20th August, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Ezek 24:15-24;
Deut 32:18-21. (R. cf. v.18);
Matt 19:16-22.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 20th August,
1153) was born of noble parentage in Burgundy, France. His pious parents sent
him at an early age to a college at Chatillon. Fearing the snares and
temptations of the world, he embraced the Cistercian Order. He was sent by his
superior with twelve other monks to found a new monastery at Clairvaux. Saint
Bernard was appointed Abbot. He founded numerous monasteries, composed a number
of works and undertook many journeys for the honour of God. He refused several
Bishoprics offered to him. Popes were governed by his advice. He was
commissioned by Pope Eugene III to preach the second Crusade. In obedience to
the Sovereign Pontiff he travelled through France and Germany, and aroused the
greatest enthusiasm for the holy war among the masses of the population. The
failure of the expedition raised a great storm against the saint, but he
attributed it to the sins of the Crusaders. St. Bernard was eminently endowed
with the gift of miracles.[1]
Topic: Inheriting eternal life.
A rich young man came to Jesus in today’s gospel and asked,
“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus replied him in
part, “If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” After Jesus
enumerated the commandments at the young man’s request he said to Jesus, “I
have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus replied, “If you wish to be
perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you
will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” On hearing this, “he went
away grieving”.
The last verse of the gospel made explicit the obstacle of
the rich young man, his many possessions. We must remember that all possessions
come from God, cf. 1Chr 29:12; 1Cor 11:12.
The Psalmist rightly admonishes us not to set our heart on riches
even when they increase, cf. Ps 62:10.
It is important to note that “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but
righteousness delivers from death” (Prov
11:4). Again, “Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the
righteous will flourish like green leaves” (Prov 11:28). And again, “riches do not last forever” (Prov 27:24).
To
inherit eternal life, one must first disinherit this life. We must remember
that the cares of the
world, the delight in riches, and the desire for other earthly things choke the
word of God and make it unfruitful, cf. Mk
4:19; Matt 13:22. Hence Jesus warns, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate
father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life
itself, cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26).
The life of Saint Bernard is a very good example. He turned his back to the
snares and temptations of the world.
Bible Reading: Jas 5:1-6; 1Tim
6:17-19.
Thought for today: ...riches do not last forever (Prov 27:24).
Let us pray: God, remove far from us falsehood
and lying. Give us neither poverty nor riches; but feed us with the food that
is needful – Amen (cf. Prov 30:8; Matt
6:11).
Saint Bernard – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
God bless you all+
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