St Bernard of Clairvaux was a major figure in the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. Born to a noble family in Burgundy, France in the 11th century, he became a priest in the Cistercian order of monks. The Cistercian order sought to return to the ideals of the rule of St Benedict, of which the Benedictine order had strayed. He was instrumental in helping spread monasticism throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Knights Templar and in gathering support for the second Crusade in the Holy Land. He is the patron saint of bee keepers, bees, and candlemakers, due to him being named Doctor of the Church and given the title Doctor Mellifluus, the honey-sweet doctor, because of the eloquence and sweetness of his writings and sermons. What an interesting connection. His theology emphasized the importance of our personal experiences with God and our personal relationship with him through contemplation and humility. He also spoke about the mystical union between the human soul and Christ. He also had a deep devotion to Mary, emphasizing her role in the history of salvation, her role as intercessor, and the model of discipleship that she gives the Church. He was canonized in 1174 by Pope Alexander, just 21 years after his death.
Our Gospel today depicts God’s compassion and mercy in a parable, the love God has for the person who converts and repents. This is also reflected in theology and spirituality of St Bernard, of the importance of a personal relationship with Christ. We unite our prayers with St Bernard and the entire community of saints today.
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