+(Intro) Today we have the memorial of Blessed Guerric of Igny where he was made their 2nd abbot. As a writer he became one of the four evangelists of Citeaux along with Bernard, St Aelred and William of St Thierry. As we begin this Eucharist let us be aware of where we may fall short in our following of the Lord Jesus.
(After the Gospel) Our gospel has a rich young man wanting to gain eternal life. He has kept all the commandments but knows he is lacking in something, so he asks Jesus about this. Jesus invites him to come follow him after selling what he has and giving to the poor but he couldn’t do it. There is the danger in any of our lives, especially in an affluent society like our’s to cling to possessions, to hold on to the security they provide.
To be free of this kind of false security is what motivated the minds and heart of the early Cistercians. In this freedom they came to experience the loving care of our heavenly Father and intimacy with his beloved Son Jesus. Blessed Guerric was and is a wonderful example of just this kind of loving simplicity of life. May he strengthen us in our own resolve.
Ezek. 24:15-23; Matt. 19:16-22