ABSTAIN FROM ALL EVIL
The LORD is at hand.
The LORD HIMSELF shall descend from Heaven with
a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with
the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise
first: then we which are alive and remain, shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet
the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with
the LORD. Wherefore comfort on another with these
words.HE which testifieth these things saith, Surely
I come quickly; Amen. Even so, come, LORD JESUS.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such
things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in
peace, without spot, and blameless. Abstain from all
appearance of evil. And the very GOD of peace sanctify
you wholly; and I pray GOD your whole spirit and soul
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of
our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Faithful is HE who calleth you,
who also will do it.
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming
of the LORD draweth nigh.
AMEN and AMEN
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May 28th - St. Bernard of Mont-joux
Bernard may have been the son of Count Richard of Menthon. It seems more likely
though that he was of Italian birth. Nothing is really known of his parentage
and early life.
Tradition reports that a marriage was being arranged for young Bernard and he
fled so as to be free to give his life to God. We do know that he was ordained
to the priesthood and that he was appointed Vicar General of the diocese of
Aosta, Italy. For approximately forty-two years he traveled throughout the
country, visiting the remotest Alpine villages. He would sometimes extend his
missionary journeys into the neighboring dioceses of Geneva, Novara and
Tarentaise. Bernard had the reputation for enforcing clerical discipline and he
built several schools.
He is probably most famous for the hospices he built on the summits of passes
over the Alps. Many pilgrims from France and Germany would travel over the Alps
on their way to Rome, but it was always a possibility that one would die from
freezing along the way. In the 9th century a system of hospices had been
attempted, but had lapsed long before Bernard's time. Bernard's hospices in the
11th century were placed under the care of clerics and laymen and were well
equipped for the reception of all travelers. Eventually these caretakers became
Augustinian. A monastery was built close by and still exists today
At some point in time Bernard traveled to Rome to receive formal recognition of
the hospices and community and to obtain permission to accept novices. Bernard
lived to the age of eighty-five and is believed to have died on May 28, 1081 at
St. Lawrence Monastery in Novara, Italy.
A now-famous breed of dogs, known for its endurance in high altitude and cold,
was named in honor of this saint. Bernard's life has been the focus of many
romantic plays and stories. Many of us may remember childhood stories of St.
Bernard dogs coming to the rescue of stranded or injured victims on Alpine
slopes. The dogs almost always seem to have a cask of Brandy attached to their
collars and when the victims were revived by a good drink the dogs would lead
them to safety.
However romance was not what Bernard's life was about. He was strongly committed
to the ideals taught by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. Bernard dedicated his
life to bring the message of Christ to all and to correct the abuses of clerical
life which he saw. He was deeply concerned for the care of the poor and
disadvantaged. Living his life in the Alps he knew the dangers present and did
what he could to relieve them. He is a model, not of romance, but of deep love
and compassion, in imitation of God whom he loved and served with all his heart.
Saint Quote:
One great remedy against all manner of temptation, great or small, is to open
the heart and lay bare its suggestion, likings, and dislikings before some
spiritual adviser; for, ... the first condition which the Evil One makes with a
soul, when he wants to entrap it, is silence.
-François de Sales
Bible quote:
Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding; so that when he
comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. St. Luke 12:36
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Psalm 99
Enter the Temple with joy
Rejoice in the Lord, all the earth.
Exult in his presence and serve him with joy.
Know that the Lord is God.
He made us and we are his - his people,
the sheep of his flock.
Cry out his praises as you enter his gates,
fill his courtyards with songs.
Proclaim him and bless his name;
for the Lord is our delight. His mercy lasts for ever,
his faithfulness through all the ages.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
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