Monday, March 25 : Saint Bernard

I have already discussed two ointments with you: one of contrition that takes account of numerous sins — it is symbolized by the perfumed oil with which the sinful woman anointed the feet of Lord: “the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil”; the other of devotion that embodies numerous blessings… But there is another ointment, far excelling these two, to which I give the name loving-kindness, because the elements that go into its making are the needs of the poor, the anxieties of the oppressed, the worries of those who are sad, the sins of wrong-doers, and finally, the manifold misfortunes of all people who endure affliction, even if they are our enemies. These elements may seem rather depressing, but the ointment made from them is more fragrant than all other spices. It bears the power to heal, for “Blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7) A collection therefore of many miseries, on which the eye rests with loving-kindness, represents the ingredients from which the best ointments are made… Happy the soul that has been wise enough to enrich itself with an assortment of spices such as these, pouring upon them the oil of mercy and warming them with the fire of charity! Who, in your opinion, is “the good man who takes pity and lends” (Ps 112:5), who is compassionate, quick to render assistance, who believes that there is “more happiness in giving than in receiving” (Acts 20:35), who forgives easily but is not easily angered, who never seeks to be avenged, and in all things takes thought for his neighbor’s needs as if they were his own? Whoever you may be, if your soul is thus disposed, if you are saturated with the dew of mercy, overflowing with affectionate kindness, making yourself “all things to all people” (1 Co 9:22) yet considering your deeds like a discarded flask in order to be always ready to supply to others what they need, in a word, so dead to yourself that you live only for others — if this be you, then you possess the third and best of all ointments. Your hands have dripped with liquid myrrh that is utterly enchanting (cf Sg 5:5). It will not run dry in times of stress nor evaporate in the heat of persecution; but God will perpetually “remember all your oblations and find your holocaust acceptable.” (Ps 20:4)
Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team