Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

On the one hand, authority often degenerates, and on the other hand, without proper authority there is moral and theological chaos. In Ezekiel ultimate authority arrives in the very place where delegated authority had been misused. This is the ultimate reformation. In Matthew we see those whose authority is ex opere operato misusing their authority for they have neither true love for God nor for their neighbor, only for self. We need to remember that our God became a humble human to bear the burdens we could not bear.

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Title

The Paradox of Authority

Outline

Authority is necessary, but it is paradoxical

First, spiritual authority often degenerates in political, including military power, which we see in the Pharisees joining in using the Roman power to condemn Jesus.

We also see this in St. Bernard’s seeking to attain spiritual goals by persuading secular powers - sometimes it backfired because hearts were not truly converted, as in the case of the Second Crusade

But, second, when there is an authority vacuum, when each does what is right in his own eyes, heresies and schisms multiply, and St. Bernard had to step in time and again using his spiritual authority to set things right. We see this in modern day Protestantism, which often tends to invade the Catholic Church.

So look at Ezekiel, where ultimate authority arrives

God comes, the same vision of God that had called down judgment on Judah, the same vision of God that had left the Temple to be destroyed for those who were supposed to uphold the holy order were instead practicing evil themselves.

That is what it takes for a full and pure Reformation, the presence of God himself. God who is present and making holy the very place which his corrupt leaders defiles.

But turn to Matthew to see what is needed to control authority

The Pharisaic Scribes “sit on Moses’ seat” - they have authority, as in the case of Caiaphas, it seems to be ex opere operato.

Yes they have authority, but they have a love for power and no heart for God.

They preach but do not practice, for the heavy burdens they bind, they may themselves observe (with the support of others), but they do so without love for the neighbor and without God’s humility, for God came to us to help us - Jesus bore our burden.

They do pious deeds, but do so out of self-seeking, self-glorification - and that is possible, which is why Jesus did say to pray in secret, while hisself participating in communal prayer.

That is why, while with Paul some need to be called and see their role as fathers and mothers, anyone who seeks the title should not have it. The best bishops and abbots are those who are saddened by the call, who hold the title lightly, see themselves as one of the community, and are often found doing humble jobs, not to impress others, but because that is an expression of their humble heart.

Sisters, I have known people who had true spiritual authority and used it well

I had a dean-president once who was a brilliant professor and great Episcopal priest before coming to the school where we were founding faculty. Yes, he had titles and authority, but he had humility and love. In the early days he showed up as often as he could to help students move into apartments. I never saw him put anyone down. He agonized over any disciplinary issue. He had not wanted to be dean-president, nor did he want the perks, but accepted it as a burden to the carried, as he would later accept a bishoprick in one of the continuing Anglican movements.

And I can say myself that one of my greatest blessings in becoming a Catholic priest was I shed being called “doctor” and “professor” - it was good, for I might come to believe my press, so to speak. Now I know far more than I knew, but my authority is the authority of the altar - I get to wonder at the absolute Father and Master and Teacher as I speak words that are not my words, but words I get to speak because someone chose me to be identified with him.

St. Bernard was greatest, not because of his diplomatic feats, but because all he did was rooted in strict monastic observance, Cistercian strictness. It was this humility to which he continually returned.

Priests since Basil the Great and Augustine have at their root a monastic ideal - all is rooted in a life of prayer, worship, and humility. It goes without saying that that is true of both the active and cloistered religious communities.

So let us live it. May it be said of us, each in our own way, “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” and that we were those who lived this in practice.

Readings

Catholic Daily Readings 8-20-2022: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

FIRST READING

Ezekiel 43:1–7ab

CHAPTER 43

1 Then he led me to the gate facing east, 2 and there was the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east! His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. 3 The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when he came to destroy the city and like the vision I had seen by the river Chebar—I fell on my face. 4 The glory of the LORD entered the temple by way of the gate facing east. 5 Then the spirit lifted me up and brought me to the inner court. And there the glory of the LORD filled the temple! 6 I heard someone speaking to me from the temple, but the man was standing beside me. 7 The voice said to me: Son of man, do you see the place for my throne, and the place for the soles of my feet? Here I will dwell among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel, neither they nor their kings, will never again defile my holy name, with their prostitutions and the corpses of their kings at their death.

Catholic Daily Readings 8-20-2022: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

RESPONSE

Psalm 85:10b

10 Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him;

glory will dwell in our land.

PSALM

Psalm 85:9ab, 10–14

9 I will listen for what God, the LORD, has to say;

surely he will speak of peace

To his people and to his faithful.

May they not turn to foolishness!

10 Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him;

glory will dwell in our land.

11 Love and truth will meet;

justice and peace will kiss.

12 Truth will spring from the earth;

justice will look down from heaven.

13 Yes, the LORD will grant his bounty;

our land will yield its produce.

14 Justice will march before him,

and make a way for his footsteps.

Catholic Daily Readings 8-20-2022: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Matthew 23:9b, 10b

9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.

10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah.

GOSPEL

Matthew 23:1–12

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Notes

Catholic Daily Readings 8-20-2022: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022 | MEMORIAL

SAINT BERNARD, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

YEARS 1 & 2 | ROMAN MISSAL | LECTIONARY

From Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading Ezekiel 43:1–7ab

Response Psalm 85:10b

Psalm Psalm 85:9ab, 10–14

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 23:9b, 10b

Gospel Matthew 23:1–12

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