Tuesday, September 27 : Saint Bernard

Brethren, it is absolutely certain that you are already on the way to the city where you are to dwell. You are not proceeding through thickets but along the road. But I fear this life is giving you the illusion of being long and therefore of not bringing you consolation but, still more, sorrow. Yes what I fear is that some of you, at the thought that there remains a long road still to go, feel overcome by spiritual discouragement and lose all hope of being able to bear so many trials for so long. As though God’s consolations did not far more fill the souls of the elect with joy than the many troubles contained within their heart. At the present time, it is true, these consolations are only given in proportion to their troubles. But once happiness has been attained then it will no longer be consolations but delight forever that we shall find at God’s right hand (Ps 15[16]:11). Long for this right hand, my brothers, which embraces us in our whole being. Ardently wish for that happiness in order that the present time may seem short (as indeed it is) by comparison with the greatness of God’s love. “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory soon to be revealed in us” (Rm 8:18). O happy promise, which we should cling to with all our will.
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team