Today, as we celebrate the life of St Bernard, Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of Matthew (22: 34-40) in which Jesus is tested by the Pharisees with this question: Which is the greatest commandment of the Law?

After reading the Gospel, Fr Paul shares a little about the life of St Bernard, who was born near Dijon in France in 1090.

St Bernard came from a noble family and he joined the monastery at Citeaux. When Bernard arrived at that monastery, he arrived with four of his five brothers and with two dozen friends.  Within three years he was sent to Clairvaux to establish another monastery. He remained there for the rest of his life.

It is written that Bernard was a man of great holiness and wisdom. He was a prolific writer of the inspiring kind.  He was often suffering from ill health, but this did not stop him from being active in his faith.

So today for our reflection, Fr Paul says, we ask and pray St Bernard, pray for us!