Today, as we honor Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, we are reminded of the constant battle against sin that each of us must wage. The readings selected for today – the prophetic words from Ezekiel and the teachings of Jesus in Matthew – provide us a profound reflection on pride, the danger of wealth, and the challenges of true discipleship.
In the reading from Ezekiel, we encounter a powerful proclamation against the pride of the prince of Tyre. The Lord exposes the folly of the haughty heart that proclaims, “A god am I!” This presumption leads to a grave downfall, as God asserts that no matter how wise or wealthy the prince believes himself to be, he is still merely a man. Similarly, wealth can create barriers, making it easier to forget our dependence on God and convincing us that we can attain divinity through our own merits or accomplishments.
Saint Bernard understood the struggle against such pride intimately. Born into a noble family, he had every advantage that wealth and status could bestow. Yet, he chose a different path. Bernard renounced worldly honors and comforts to embrace the life of a monk. He became a Cistercian, living a life of austerity dedicated to prayer, fasting, and service. Saint Bernard’s humility and deep trust in God's providence are powerful testimonies of how one can combat the allure of pride and wealth. Through simplicity, he cultivated a heart open to God’s grace, demonstrating that true riches lie not in material possessions but in spiritual wealth.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus warns His disciples about the challenges of wealth, stating, “It will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.” The disciples’ astonishment at His words reflects our human condition. Many of us equate success and prosperity with divine favor. However, Christ reminds us that the path to salvation is often one marked by sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to surrender worldly attachments.
Saint Bernard exemplified this very notion, as he willingly surrendered his own expectations and comforts to follow Christ more closely. He once said, “The measure of love is to love without measure.” This profound understanding of love, stemming from humility, allowed him to serve the Lord and inspire others to seek the same. His spirituality emphasized the importance of charity, the necessity of loving God above all, and the relentless pursuit of holiness—all key elements in the battle against sin.
As we reflect on our own battles, let us remember that acknowledging our weaknesses before God allows His grace to work within our lives. Saint Bernard’s life challenges us to examine our hearts, to confront our pride, and to live with a spirit of generosity and humility. Our pursuit of eternal life might often seem daunting, especially when faced with the distractions and temptations of this world. Yet, Jesus assures us, “For humans, this is impossible, but for God, all things are possible.”
In a world that often champions self-reliance and status, let us instead seek the humility that Saint Bernard exemplified. Let us strive to put our trust in God, the true source of our strength and salvation. As we celebrate this feast day, may we be inspired by Saint Bernard's commitment to a life of prayer and service, shaping our hearts to be open to God's will and leading us in our own battles against sin.
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