Reading a book on the sermons of St. Bernardine of Siena has been an adventure. His sermons provide a revelation of an earthly man, completely in touch with reality.
His advice on the pursuit of perfection covers many aspects, but I want to highlight one, as his feast is approaching on May 20th.
Bernardine cautions all who are seeking holiness to do so within the vocation to which each is called. He warns us that we must not compare ourselves with the greatest of saints, such as SS. Francis and Bernard of Clairvaux. Instead, each man and woman is to look at when, where and how God has called each one to become a saint.
He notes that St. Francis could fast for forty days. And, Bernardine tells his listeners in his sermon that one cannot copy this type of behavior, if God has not given the grace.
However, he challenges us to be open to as much grace as God wants to give. Whether one is a large window or a small window, the openness to grace is all that matters.
Lay to thy heart this example, which doth show
thee how the Grace of God cometh to men. Seest thou those
windows? One of them is wholly open, one open but a
little way, and one less. Even by way of those which are
shut fast there doth enter some of the Grace of God, since
that there are certain tiny crevices therein. And by way
of every one of those windows there doth enter something
of the splendour of the sun, but here more and there less;
for so much or so little brightness doth enter there within
according as each is more or less open. So is it with those
who wish for Grace from God, according as he doth dispose
himself so hath he Grace: if he doth show himself very
well disposed, God giveth him very much of it; if he doth
show himself but little disposed, then God giveth him but
little Grace. And to the man who doth shut himself away
from it, even to him God would give of his Grace.
to be continued...
BTW, St. Bernardine is patron of those with respiratory illnesses. Those of us
with asthma can ask him for healing.
