Finding God in the Church
Finding God in the Church Bernard was a Churchman — a man of the Church — in the very best sense of the word. For him, the Bride of the Canticle was primarily the Church. He speaks beautifully of the seamless robe of unity which Christ left to his Church, and he worked tirelessly to preserve this unity. He said that as members of the Church we share in her special relationship with Christ, and it is in the Church and through her liturgical feasts and sacraments that we enter into the mysteries of Christ's earthly life, and share in their redemptive power.
As Abbot, Bernard preached on all the great feasts. His sermons were scriptural and practical, and often mnemonic to help the Brothers when they went out to work. He tried to show the particular graces each feast had for the Brothers, and how they could make them their own. We must remember, of course, that he was speaking and writing in the context of a twelfth century monastic culture.
Especially noteworthy are the little blocks of sermons for Advent and Christmas (for which he had a special attraction), and those to do with the Paschal Mystery. He also made his own the 'little bundle of Myrrh' of the Canticle and is often portrayed with his arms full of the instruments of the Passion.
The Church Which of us can live uprightly and perfectly even for one hour? Yet there is one who can truthfully glory in this praise.
She is the Church, whose fulness is a never-ceasing fount of intoxicating joy, perpetually fragrant. For what she lacks in one member she possesses in another according to the measure of Christ's gift and the plan of the Spirit who distributes to each one just as he chooses. With bold assurance she lays claim to the title of bride. And although none of us will dare to arrogate for his own soul the title of bride of the Lord, nevertheless we are members of the Church which rightly boasts of this title, and so we may justifiably assume a share in this honour. For what all of us simultaneously possess in a full and perfect manner, that, each single one of us undoubtedly possesses by partcipation.
Thank you Lord Jesus, for your kindness in uniting us to the Church you so dearly love, not merely that we may be endowed with the gift of faith, but that like brides we may be one with you in an embrace that is sweet, chaste and eternal, beholding with unveiled faces that glory which is yours in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever, Amen.
The Robe of Christ To his Bride, the Church, Christ left his own robe, a many coloured robe, woven from top to bottom.
It is manycoloured because of the many different Orders distinguished within it. It is seamless because of the undivided unity of a love that cannot be torn apart, as it is written: 'Who will separate us from the love of Christ?'
Therefore let there be no division within the Church. Let it remain whole and entire according to its inherited right.
Concerning the Church it has been written: 'At your right hand stands the queen in a golden robe, embroidered with varying patterns.'
This is why different people receive different gifts. One person is allotted one kind of gift, one another, irrespective of whether they be a Cistercian or a Cluniac, a Regular or one of the laity. This applies to every order and to all languages, to both sexes, to every age and condition of life, everywhere and always, from the first person down to the last.
The Robe of Unity Therefore let us all work together to form a single robe, and let this robe include us all. It is not I by myself, nor you without me, nor a third pérson on his own, who can form this one robe, but all of us together, provided we take care to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I repeat, it is not our Order alone, nor yours alone that makes. up this unity, but ours and yours together.
Why wonder at this variety during the time of exile, while the Church is on pilgrimage? Why wonder that its unity is also plurality? Just as there are many rooms in a single house, so there are many different Orders in the one Church... .
Unity consists in the singleness of love.
There are many paths which can be taken, for the dwelling places to which we journey are many. Whatever path a person is taking, let them not be so concerned about alternative routes that they lose sight of their destination.
Let them be sure that by following the path they are on, they will eventually arrive at one of the dwelling places, and so will not be left outside their Father's house.