Change is in the air. Our weather has certainly cooled and darkness is coming earlier and earlier. The cooler weather and the shorter days signal pending change and harken for us the need to prepare for winter. In many ways, autumn is a transition between the bright warm days of summer and the cold dark days of winter. Our scripture readings this weekend take on a similar tone. As our liturgical year draws to a close, we are reminded of not only the importance of preparing ourselves for the challenges we will encounter in life, but also for that day when we will meet God face to face.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a famous mystic and doctor of the Church, in his Four Degrees of Love said: “The first step to perfect love of God begins with love of ourselves.” Think about that for a minute, “The first step to perfect love of God begins with love of ourselves.” That is an important concept. Love is not about possessions, power, and prestige, which lead to competitiveness, rivalry and ultimately violence. Love is a more about humility, equality, and compassion, values upon which the teachings of Jesus rest.
For many of us, we are our own harshest critics. We see our flaws and mistakes in a way that others don’t and what St. Bernard is encouraging is for us to see ourselves as worthy of God’s love. If we truly want to love God and to love our sisters and brothers, we have to love ourselves, not in a narcissistic way, but rather to see and honor our own value and dignity.
God wants nothing more than for us to respond to God’s love. Despite our transgressions, God continues to reach out with loving arms inviting us to open our minds and our hearts to receive that love and to share it with one another. We are not expected to be perfect, but God wants us to try to do better, to be more open, to be more loving, and to be more forgiving. God gently invites us to live the peace offered in Christ Jesus.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.