Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
Intention: That God’s peace and wisdom will touch the hearts of all whose lives are ruled by confusion, anger, or fear.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 19:16-22
A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
From the Meditation on Saint Bernard, Abbott | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Virtue cannot hide. When it is seen, it is attractive, and the example it gives makes such a strong impression on those who witness it practiced or who hear it talked about that most people are led to imitate it.
Is this the effect that your good behavior and piety produce in your students? It is the main means you ought to use to win them over to God.
Prayer
Eternal Father, each day we work hard to build our lives. Sometimes, our possessions and achievements begin to look to us like the meaning of our lives. Help us to know the difference between the things that are part of life and the things that give us life. May we see that the real riches of the world are truth and freedom, peace and justice, compassion and love. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.