Fr Ben Garren

“Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire...Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.” ― St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Dear Siblings in Christ,

The conversion of the soul to a life in Jesus is the goal of our lives as Christians. Yet the reasons we often take up the faith too often inhibit that very process.

If we take up this discipleship out of self-interest to gain salvation for ourselves and then live in fear of loosing that salvation… then our path to sanctification is blocked.

If our foundation for doing missionary work and converting others to the faith is based in this then we are inviting them into the same problematic gambit. We are living into faith for selfish and controlling ends.

The issue with this mode of Christian faith is that it may change outward appearances but will not provide a deepening relationship with God through Christ.

Bernard of Clairvaux, whose feast is today, says that the foundation for a faith that will bring about an ever deepening relationship with Christ is charity.

Charity for ourselves and charity for others as we work to relinquish greed and the need to control, as we step aside from living in fear and self interest.

Where is it this day that you need to be charitable with yourself and where is it this day that you need to be charitable with others? It is from these questions that our faith can begin to deepen today and every day moving forward.

Pax,

—Ben