Today’s Readings – Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor

Bernard was born about 1090 at Fontaines, near Dijon, in France, the third son of Tescelin Sorrel, a Burgundian nobleman. He was educated at Chatillon-sur-Seine. As a young man he became known for his charm, wit, learning, and eloquence. At the age of 22, with 31 companions including some of his brothers and others of noble birth, he became a monk at the reformed monastery of Citeaux, which was then in decline and materially very poor. The large influx of new recruits saved it from near-extinction, but in time, under Bernard’s influence, the Cistercian Order was radically changed.

After being evaluated for a few years, Bernard was made abbot of a new foundation at Clairvaux (Valley of Light) in Burgundy, France. In conditions of extreme poverty, he was, in the early years, too severe … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Wednesday of Week 20 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Ezekiel 34:1-11

This is a powerful passage whose meaning extends far beyond those to whom it was originally addressed. The Jerusalem Bible comments:

The image of the king-shepherd is deeply rooted in Eastern literary tradition. Jeremiah used it of the kings of Israel to … Continue