*REFLECTION FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. BERNARD/ SATURDAY OF THE TWENTIETH* *WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

We celebrate today, the Memorial of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, abbot and doctor of the Church. St. Bernard (1090-1153) was born near Dijon and died in Clairvaux, France. He was of a noble family and received a careful education in his youth. With his father, brother and thirty noblemen he entered the Benedictine monastery of Citeaux. Two years later he led a group of monks to establish a house at Clairvaux, and became the abbot. The monastic rule which he perfected at Clairvaux became the model for 163 monasteries of the Cistercian reform. He was a theologian, poet, orator, writer and attended the Second Lateran Council. He is considered the last of the Fathers of the Church.

   In the first reading (Ezk 43: 1-7), Ezekiel reassures the Israelites of God's willingness to make His divine presence known to them and to dwell in their midst for ever. Like the Psalmist, with joy in our hearts we declare that "the glory of the Lord will dwell in our land, and we will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace..." (Ps 85: 9,10). 

   Jesus, in the gospel (Matt 23: 1-12) instructs the people and His disciples not to be self-centered like the Scribes and Pharisees who teach and serve with pride and self-promotion, rather they should be humble and sincere. For us to be able to teach and serve in the mind of the Master, then we have to first be "disciples" who sit and listen to the Master.

   Dear friends, true humility frees us from preoccupation with ourselves, and avoids us falling into despair and pride. Jesus is calling on us to imitate Him in being meek and humble in heart. In Christ, a perfect example is given to us to follow. If you wish to be exalted, first, be humble! 

   I pray as we journey in life today, we will in obedience to the will of the Master, be able to live our lives responding to God's will in humility. May grace abound as we rise above our weaknesses. Have a humility-full day!