St Bernard of Clairvaux

"Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those (the rich and powerful) who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’"  Mt 22: 8-9

Wealth itself is not the issue in the Gospel, but the attitude that rich people sometimes have about what they possess is. It is easy to believe, especially if you have worked hard, that you deserve all that you have and can do almost anything to protect your assets. Worse, when the wealthy act as if they have the power to control life or belittle poor people by stereotyping them as lazy, shiftless and undeserving of a decent wage and modest success, they offend God and the Gospel.

On the other hand, when people have been blessed with good fortune and are always grateful for what they have, they usually are anxious to find ways to help others. Realizing that some of their success came to them because they were in the right place at the right time or they have a rare skill that others need, they live simply, look out for others in need and get involved socially in projects that help the less fortunate to live with dignity and joy.

Bernard of Clairvaux, like most saints, understood the hard sayings of Jesus well. A brilliant writer and poet, he let go of a life of privilege to reform the Benedictices and used his gifts to help others understand the unconditional love of God for all. Seeing the good and the need for forgiveness in returning crusaders, he used their experience and romantic language to help them find God and change the face of Western Europe.

That Bernard also made the mistake of leading the 2nd Crusade and inflaming the passions of Christians anxious to recapture the Holy Land, a sin for which he later apologized, only helps us understand that saints also make mistakes. Asking forgiveness and seeking reconciliation mark the life of every committed believer.

Today, thank God for the all that you possess and examine your conscience about what you really need to live the Gospel well.

What are your biggest fears about not having enough money, property and possessions?