August 20, 2026 – Solemnity of Saint Bernard
Wisdom 7:7–10; 15–16; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Matthew 5:13–19
Homily
Dear Brothers,
Bernard of Clairvaux, whom we celebrate today, received from God the gift of divine Wisdom. Not only did he make her his bride, but he sang her praises with great love and lyricism. Not only did the monks of his community at Clairvaux drink from this fountain of Wisdom, which he shared with them through his sermons and chapter meetings, but many scholars and sages from around the world also came to Clairvaux to drink from this fountain. For many of his contemporaries and for several generations of monks and nuns, right up to the present day, he has been the salt of the earth and the light of the world.