Homily: St. Bernard of Clairvaux (2021)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux (2021) “The Saint Who Pushed Others”
St. Bernard was one of the giants of Western Monasticism. He lived in the 11th Century France. At that time, Benedictine monasteries had become very lax. A reform was underway. Bernard joined in a monastery that was trying to bring rigor back to the Benedictines.
He eventually was put in charge of a new monastery at Clairvaux. He was Abbot there for thirty-eight years. The reform movement eventually became a whole new order called the Cistercians or by their popular name (Trappists).
St. Bernard was a charismatic figure. He took about thirty of his friends and relatives into the monastery with him and eventually his monastery had 700 monks. This was an extraordinarily large community.
Because of his great leadership ability, he became a very influential figure in the universal church. He was an advisor to Popes, and he was a prime mover in the crusades. He was involved in Theological debates with some of the great minds of his times. He was also critical of monasteries that were too plush. All of this has made him a controversial figure in the history of the church.
One thing that impresses me about Bernard was his zeal. He was not afraid to challenge people to make a deeper Christian commitment. I can imagine him as a person who would expect others to have a high standard.
I know that I like to have people decide on their own if they have a religious vocation. Bernard would probably seek young men out and invite them into his order. Perhaps he was able to see something in others that they could not see themselves. We probably all remember people who have believed in us when we doubted ourselves. Bernard was obviously such a person for many of his followers.
Reflection Questions:
- Did someone invite me to join the church? Did I come to believe completely by myself?
- Is there someone in my life that needs to find purpose in their life? Could I challenge them to follow Jesus if they have no religion?
Dear Parishioners,
I have announced several times that our two Deacon candidates (Mike Maynard and Matthew Martel) will be receiving the ministry of acolyte this coming Sunday at the new retreat house in Henry, Illinois. What does this mean? An acolyte performs the same function as a Eucharistic minister. They visit the sick and distribute communion at Mass. They also help in special ways around the altar. The ministry of acolyte is not a ministry that lasts for a certain period of time, but it is meant to be permanent.
Men are installed as readers and acolytes on their way to holy orders. I went through these ceremonies before I was a deacon. This is a sign that Mike and Matthew are one step away from becoming deacons. If all goes well, they will be ordained deacons in December 2022.
We are looking for deacon candidates for the next class. If any man who is not yet 55 is interested, please contact me at the parish office. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2022.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark