Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest

A sermon by St Bernardine of Siena

The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers

The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers, because the shining splendor of that name causes his word to be proclaimed and heard. And how do you think such an immense, sudden and dazzling light of faith came into the world, if not because Jesus was preached? Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savor of this name that God called us into his marvelous light? When we have been enlightened, and in that same light behold the light of heaven, rightly may the apostle Paul say to us: Once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light.

  So this name must be proclaimed, that it may shine out and never be suppressed. But it must not be preached by someone with sullied mind or unclean lips, but stored up and poured out from a chosen vessel.

  That is why our Lord said of Saint Paul: He is a chosen instrument of mine, the vessel of my choice, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. In this chosen vessel there was to be a drink more pleasing than earth ever knew, offered to all mankind for a price they could pay, so that they would be drawn to taste of it. Poured into other chosen vessels, it would grow and radiate splendor. For our Lord said: He is to carry my name.

  When a fire is lit to clear a field, it burns off all the dry and useless weeds and thorns. When the sun rises and darkness is dispelled, robbers, night-prowlers and burglars hide away. So when Paul’s voice was raised to preach the Gospel to the nations, like a great clap of thunder in the sky, his preaching was a blazing fire carrying all before it. It was the sun rising in full glory. Infidelity was consumed by it, false beliefs fled away, and the truth appeared like a great candle lighting the whole world with its brilliant flame.

  By word of mouth, by letters, by miracles and by the example of his own life, Saint Paul bore the name of Jesus wherever he went. He praised the name of Jesus at all times, but never more than when bearing witness to his faith.

  Moreover, the Apostle did indeed carry this name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel as a light to enlighten all nations. And this was his cry wherever he journeyed: The night is passing away, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves honorably as in the day. Paul himself showed forth the burning and shining light set upon a candlestick, everywhere proclaiming Jesus, and him crucified.

  And so the Church, the bride of Christ strengthened by his testimony, rejoices with the psalmist, singing: O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. The psalmist exhorts her to do this, as he says: Sing to the Lord, and bless his name, proclaim his salvation day after day. And this salvation is Jesus, her savior.

 URGENT!!!

Nazareth Hermitage needs help to purchase more medicines and to pay for the ones taken on credit.
The rainy season is just a month away and with the rains comes the dreaded mosquitoes. With the mosquitoes comes Malaria. We sincerely need help so we can add more malaria meds to our stock and also need other meds as well.... unfortunately we  are out of some already. We have had to turn people away as of Saturday because of this situation.
Also, we need petrol (gasoline) to run the generator for a few hours each day.
I am asking for your help again so that we can continue ministering to the folks here. Without your help we would be hard pressed to continue this ministry. I am begging you to once again show your kindness. Caring for the sick poor is your ministry as well as mine.
Any financial donations should be sent to:

Brother dismas Mary 
C/O Bob Shrigley
116 Corey Street
Lowell, MA 01851

Bob will immediately put the funds into Brother dismas' account and then he will be able to cash a check and receive local currency.
God bless you
Br. dismas