Memorial of St. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
What are we working towards? When one is studying in high school, they are working towards graduation and receiving that diploma. The same is said of one in college, they are working towards their degree, and that’s the end goal. What about employment? Well, I’m sure of those working in their trade fields, they want to work up the totem pole. A bigger salary and more benefits is likely the goal. The point is that we work towards a gift. The disciples I think in the gospel today want to see that physical gift from Jesus after they’ve sacrificed everything to follow Him. Jesus lets them know that they are working towards a gift that is not visible to them, not of this place or time, and is in a completely different dimension that they cannot understand. Are they still willing to work towards that gift after Jesus broke the news to them? They ultimately did. It’s something that we have to ponder too. Is our faith strong enough to be a gift that we will not see in the world, but the next? May God give us faith, strength, and perseverance. St. Bernard, pray for us.
Reflection by Fr. Macario Martinez, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections