Memorial Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
St. Bernard taught
There is a journey every soul must take,
a quiet unfolding of love in four movements.
At first, we love God for what He gives —
the blessings, the comfort, the answered prayers.
But grace nudges us forward,
until we love God simply for who He is—
holy, faithful, steady in mercy.
And as His love settles deeper,
we begin to love ourselves in God,
seeing our worth through His eyes,
not our own.
From there, love ripens into its final stage —
we love others with God’s own heart,
a love that pours itself out.
A friend once told me
about “religious people” —
there are those who love
the ceremony, the liturgy,
the preacher, the show.
And most of them forget
the One they are
to truly love and worship.
His words remind me
without true love,
religion becomes noise.
Jesus tells a story
that brings this truth into sharp focus.
A king enters his banquet
and finds a man without a wedding garment.
The invitation was free,
but the garment required a changed heart.
The man is silent —
because he wanted the feast
without the transformation.
Many are invited,
but few are chosen.
And the chosen are simply those
who let love mature —
from gifts,
to God,
to self in God,
to others through God —
until Christ Himself becomes the garment
we wear into the Kingdom.
Prayer
Lord,
Dress my soul in the garment
of Your grace.
Let my heart seek Christ
above all things.
Make my life
a quiet offering of love.
Clothe me today in the
beauty of Your holiness.
Amen
St Bernard, pray for us.
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