Calling
the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else,
a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to
share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the
blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of the
prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the
noble company of confessors and the choir of virgins. In short, we
long to be united in happiness with all the saints. But our
dispositions change. The Church of all the first followers of Christ
awaits us, but we do nothing about it. The saints want us to be with
them, and we are indifferent. The souls of the just await us, and we
ignore them.
Come,
brothers, let us at length spur ourselves on. We must rise again with
Christ, we must seek the world which is above and set our mind on the
things of heaven. Let us long for those who are longing for us,
hasten to those who are waiting for us, and ask those who look for
our coming to intercede for us. We should not only want to be with
the saints, we should also hope to possess their happiness. While we
desire to be in their company, we must also earnestly seek to share
in their glory. Do not imagine that there is anything harmful in such
an ambition as this; there is no danger in setting our hearts on such
glory.
--
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux from
a sermon
