Feast of Saint Bernard Corleone

Good morning. What is it we really need? What is it that will truly give us the joy and goodness we really truly desire? God knows, and when we let go of our incessant need to be in control we likewise know. We know what we have always known, that it boils down to trust. That is the lesson in today’s Gospel. The leper’s openness, his total trust in Jesus’ ability and willingness to heal him is the answer for each of us. It is this simple, honest sense of openness which allows us to have the joy and goodness which makes up a lasting marriage.

Echoing in today's Gospel is one of the most touching messages of Christ’s words to us. A message which God has provided since the beginning, that He will not forget us--we need only trust in Him. This same unfailing love, this same openness and trust is what we are called to share with one another in marriage and it is what will provide for the joy and goodness we desire. This total trust in God, this total trust in each other frees us from the anxiety about things and the fear of tomorrow that comes from feeling we need to be in control. There are two ingredients which provide for a lasting marriage, God and commitment to one another. May we come to trust in God as Saint Bernard whose life we commemorate today trusted in God’s mercy for his sinful lifestyle. May we always trust in His plan for us and may we strive to look to each other and all things in the light of our Creator’s wonderful loving plan for us. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Bernard of Corleone.