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 19:23-30
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
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, Jesus called us to follow in your ways, but also said that this would not always be easy. Too often, we insist on having a life that is free from sacrifice and the work of doing your will. Help us to understand that it is only in both the highs and the lows of our days that we can know your fullness. May we live with a spirit of faith and humility, ready to accept our need for you and prepared to follow wherever you lead. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.