Saturday, February 5 : Saint Bernard

If you put into action everything that makes up your life and understanding without holding back anything for reflection and meditation, am I to praise you? No, I will not praise you for that. And I don’t think anyone is to be found who would do so if he has heard this saying of Solomon’s: “Whoever restrains his actions will gain wisdom” (Eccl 38:25 Vg). But assuredly action itself needs to be preceded by reflection. Moreover, if you want to be wholly there for everyone following the example of the one who made himself wholly for all, I praise your humanity but only on condition that it is whole and entire. Now, how would it be if you excluded your own self? You are a man as well. And so, in order that your humanity should be whole and entire it must include you as well in that openness of heart that you reserve for all others. Otherwise what use is it, as the Lord said, to gain the whole of mankind if you lose yourself? Thus, since you are the benefit of all, be, yourself, one of those who possess it. Why should you be the only one to be deprived of this favor? Until when is your spirit going to withdraw without returning to you, in your turn, amongst those who present themselves? You owe it to the wise and ignorant and refuse it only to yourself? (…) Yes, let your waters spread abroad everywhere, let men and beasts drink from it; pour out to drink for the camels of Abraham’s servant. But amongst them all, you too drink from the water springing up from your well. (…) So remember, I don’t say ‘always’, I don’t even say ‘often’, but at least sometimes give back yourself to yourself. Among many others, or even after many others, run back to your services.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team