Monday, April 22 : Saint Bernard

“They went forth, sowing their seeds.” But why? Shall they always weep? God forbid! “They shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves” (Ps 125[126],8). And so rightly do they shout for joy, since they bring back sheaves of glory. But you say: that is for the resurrection on the last day; a long time to wait! ” Do not permit your will to be broken, do not yield to pusillanimity; you have in the meantime “the first-fruits of the Spirit” (2Cor 1,22), which even now you may reap with joy. Sow for yourselves righteousness, and reap the hope of life. These words do not postpone your triumph till the last day when the object of your desire will be possessed, not hoped for; they refer to the time now at your disposal. But when eternal life does come, what great gladness there will be, what joy beyond imagining! And can the hope of this great happiness be without happiness even now?
Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team