From a homily of St Bernard, abbot
Sermon of St Bernard on St Benedict
Brethren, you have just heard our Lord making a
promise to His disciples, saying to them: "You shall sit on seats, judging
the twelve tribes of Israel." Behold, the restfulness of being seated and
the honor of passing judgment are promised. Now our Lord Himself was unwilling
to receive these rewards except by humility and labor. Wherefore He was
condemned to a most shameful death, loaded with torments, filled with
opprobrium. So has He done, together with all who imitate Him in journeying on
the way, in order that the enemy might be confounded. He it is, O wicked creature, He it is who will
be seated on the throne of His Majesty, like to the Most High and equal to Him.
The angels considered this when, at the fall of the evil one, they did not
consent to his apostasy, thereby leaving us an example that as they chose to
serve, so should we.
Let those who fly labor and seek honor know that
they imitate him who sought for himself power and majesty; and if the devil's
crime does not terrify them, his punishment should. The saints of God, who
indeed wilt be seated in judgment, have given us an example of prudence in
avoiding these vices. They, I say, in their own esteem, wretched worms of the
earth, will sit in judgment. "Do you not know," says the Apostle,
"that we shall judge even the angels?" They indeed who went forth weeping,
sowing their seed, will come with joy carrying their sheaves. They who have
sown labor and humility reap honor and rest. Because "for their double
confusion and shame they wilt receive double in their land." Wherefore
also a certain one has said: "Behold my lowliness and sorrow."
Not only that life itself, but also the promises
of eternal life and the eager anticipation of it, are a joy for the just, and,
a joy so great that anything to be desired cannot be compared with it. At the
time when the followers of the wisdom of this world, which is indeed
foolishness in God's sight, and of the prudence of the flesh, which worketh
death and is inimical to God, withdrew from Christ, the holy apostles, when
they clung to our Lord, sowed for us the seed of prudence. Manifestly, the martyrs
sowed fortitude; the confessors followed justice throughout their lives. The
same comparison exists between the martyrs and confessors as between Peter
leaving all things, and Abraham using the wealth of this world for good
purposes. For as the martyrs, having become perfect in a short time, filled out
for a long time, so did the confessors endure long and varied martyrdoms.
Plainly, the virgins who thus trod upon lust sowed temperance
Our heavenly father, guide, master, and
legislator, Benedict, also instructs us in this doctrine and directs our steps
along the way of peace. Moreover, he strengthens and animates us for a life of
justice in such a way that we are so much the more impelled to practice what he
taught as we are certain that he taught not otherwise than he acted. The
example of works is indeed a living and effective sermon, since it makes what
is spoken most persuasive, showing that that which is urged is possible. In
this regard his sanctity comforts us, his piety instructs us, his justice strengthens
us. With what great piety was he not animated who provided not only for his
children present, but was also solicitous for those of the future! He nourishes
us by his life, his teaching, and by his intercession. Being always thus
helped, dearly beloved, become fruitful; since for this were you appointed,
"that you should go and bring forth fruit." Let us imitate him,
because for this end he came, that he might give us the example and show us the
way.
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