Hello John,
Today's Saint of the Day features the inspiring life of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard was a counselor, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, and a reformer of a monastic Order. His dedication to the Church and his ability as an arbitrator and counselor made him widely known and respected. Despite the challenges he faced, his unwavering commitment to his faith and the Church made a lasting impact on the Christian community. If you found this content inspiring and valuable, please consider supporting Franciscan Media to help continue the mission of spreading faith and inspiration. Your support will make a difference. Thank you for considering a donation to Franciscan Media. Donate today! |
Saint of the Day for August 20: Bernard of Clairvaux Saint Bernard of Clairvauxâs Story Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many todayââgolfer of the century,â âcomposer of the century,â âright tackle of the centuryââthat the line no longer has any punch. But Western Europeâs âman of the twelfth century,â without doubt or controversy, had to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian, and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of theseâand he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days. In the year 1111, at the age of 20, Bernard left his home to join the monastic community of Citeaux. His five brothers, two uncles, and some 30 young friends followed him into the monastery. Within four years, a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. The zealous young man was quite demanding, though more on himself than others. A slight breakdown of health taught him to be more patient and understanding. The valley was soon renamed Clairvaux, the valley of light. His ability as arbitrator and counselor became widely known. More and more he was lured away from the monastery to settle long-standing disputes. On several of these occasions, he apparently stepped on some sensitive toes in Rome. Bernard was completely dedicated to the primacy of the Roman See. But to a letter of warning from Rome, he replied that the good fathers in Rome had enough to do to keep the Church in one piece. If any matters arose that warranted their interest, he would be the first to let them know. Shortly thereafter it was Bernard who intervened in a full-blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman pontiff against the antipope. The Holy See prevailed on Bernard to preach the Second Crusade throughout Europe. His eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled and the success of the crusade seemed assured. The ideals of the men and their leaders, however, were not those of Abbot Bernard, and the project ended as a complete military and moral disaster. Bernard felt responsible in some way for the degenerative effects of the crusade. This heavy burden possibly hastened his death, which came August 20, 1153. Reflection Bernardâs life in the Church was more active than we can imagine possible today. His efforts produced far-reaching results. But he knew that they would have availed little without the many hours of prayer and contemplation that brought him strength and heavenly direction. His life was characterized by a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. His sermons and books about Mary are still the standard of Marian theology.
|
Don't miss this inspiring book, recently featured on TV! A wonderful weekly devotional guide to spend three minutes with God each weekday. Three Minutes with God: Reflections and Prayers to Encourage, Inspire, and Motivate |
Wedded to Lady Poverty As the story of Francis progresses, it becomes evident that the true religion here means gospel poverty, the poverty of the poor Christ, and the concrete image of that true religion is Lady Poverty, whom Francis takes as his bride. Lady Poverty is the Bride of Christ, the only one to ascend the cross with Christ on Calvary. And Francisâs marriage to Lady Poverty assures him the great treasure, which is the kingdom of heaven, but at the cost of the cross, which Francis embraces as eagerly as he embraced his spouse. In this rendering, Francis becomes the epic hero of the gospel who has the courage to find and hold on to the hidden treasure, Holy Poverty, which in a grand paradox means having nothing, which will bring him everything, and at times feeling abandoned by God, only to discover that God is closest when God feels farthest away. This mystery of gospel poverty is the great desire of Francisâs heart and soul because it is the mystery of Christ, who is being born within Francis as Francis dies to himself to become like Christ. âfrom the book Godâs Love Song: The Vision of Francis and Clare
by Murray Bodo, OFM, and Susan Saint Sing |
Explore this timeless classic from Murray Bodo, OFM! With new insights and a seasoned perspective, he highlights the spiritual path for those new to it and those who, like him, are always rediscovering that path through the changing seasons of life. |
Let Us Never Forget Reflect The psalms are a beautiful part of Scripture where we find thanksgiving being given to God. Often we find ourselves praying to God for things we need, the healing we may seek, or encountering peace in various forms. Part of that should also take into account offering thanksgivingâthanksgiving to a God who not only hears us but resides with us. May we never forget his presence among us. Pray Lord we offer our thanks for a new day,
for the breath that flows from you to us.
We offer thanks for your constant presence,
for your Son who lived with us,
for his Blessed Mother,
who holds us close to her heart always.
God, we give thanks for our ability
to be in a relationship with you
where you hear us, and are with us.
Amen. Act Today make time to sit with one of the psalms of thanksgiving, and carry that spirit of gratitude with you. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Vanessa Zuleta Goldberg. Learn more here! |
This newsletter is not free to produce! Please consider making a donation to help us in our efforts to share God's love in the spirit of Saint Francis. |
|
