Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Bernard, Abb. D., (20th August, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Judg 6:11-24;
Ps 84:9.11-14. (R. v.9);
Matt 19:23-30.
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: Hazards of wealth.
It baffled the disciples to hear that it will be hard for the
rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus reassured them that nothing is
impossible for God, cf. Lk 1:37. In
reply to Peter’s question about what they would gain Jesus said,
Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son
of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also
sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who
has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or
fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit
eternal life.
Jesus’ words sounded as if it is sinful to be wealthy.
However, He had admonished us, “...store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and
steal” (Matt 6:20). Saint James also
wrote, “Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence
against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for
the last days” (Jas 5:3).
Wealth as we can see is not a problem but one’s understanding
of it. Riches comes from God, cf. Prov
10:22. Hence Saint Paul wrote, “What have you that you did not receive? If
then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (1Cor 4:7bc). However, the richer one
becomes, the more he/she is expected to give, Lk 12:48. Saint Bernard rightly admonished all, “Let us work for
the food which does not perish – our salvation. Let us work in the vineyard of
the Lord to earn our daily wage in the wisdom which says: Those who work in me
will not sin.”
Bible Reading: Ps 112:1-10; Jas 5:1-6; Matt 6:19-21.
Thought for today: One’s attitude towards wealth.
Let us pray: Lord, heal us of insatiable desire
for material wealth and help us to store up true wealth for the world to come –
Amen.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux – Pray for
us.
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