February 20 - Reforming Monasteries

February 20 – Reforming Monasteries

Even the most pious can find themselves led astray and the monasteries were no different. A group of Benedictine monks began a new community near Cistertium, France, hoping to return to a simple life of work and prayer. These men were so strict that they refused to dye their robes so that they wouldn’t even appear to desire wealth. The order continues to exist today, still wearing white robes.

But that strictness was not bringing in new converts until the day that Bernard of Clairvaux showed up with thirty of his friends. He became a great monk and a dog breed was later named for him. He established more than sixty-five Cistercian communities, made popes, and even preached crusades.

Bernard taught that each man needed a personal experience with Christ and that self-denial for love of God was great. He was responsible for a greater emphasis on Mary, but denied the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.

He got involved with a heated debate between two rivals for the papacy. His power and influence allowed him to make the decision that placed Innocent II in power.

Bernard taught that to love God is to be drawn into the love that flows eternally between Father, Son and Spirit. Until Bernard, the church portrayed Jesus as an angry judge. His teachings on the love of Jesus transformed Christianity. Since many of the icons portrayed these frightening images of Christ, Bernard taught about the humanity of Jesus which brought pictures of the infant Jesus and the crucified Christ.