Episode 1960: Loving God Without Measure - St. Bernard of Clairvaux

In this special episode, we explore two profound quotes from two great saints of the Catholic Church, St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Augustine. These quotes encapsulate the essence of love for God and the challenges faced by the Church.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux famously said, "The true measure of loving God is to love Him without measure." This quote challenges us to reflect on the depth and breadth of our love for God. How do we measure our love for the Divine, and what does it mean to love God without limits or conditions?
Breakdown of what this quote means:
Love of God as the Ultimate Goal: In Catholic teaching, loving God is considered the greatest commandment and the ultimate goal of human existence. This love encompasses both the love of God for His own sake and the love of neighbor for the sake of God.

Loving God Beyond Limits: St. Bernard emphasizes that true love for God knows no bounds or limits. It's not a love that can be quantified or restricted by human measures. Instead, it's a love that is boundless, unconditional, and all-encompassing.

Total Surrender and Devotion: Loving God without measure implies a complete surrender of oneself to God and a total devotion to His will. It means placing God above all else in one's life and striving to align one's thoughts, actions, and desires with His divine plan.

Imitating Christ's Love: For Catholics, Christ is the perfect example of love, having sacrificed Himself out of love for humanity. Therefore, loving God without measure also involves imitating Christ's selfless love and sacrificial giving in our own lives.

Growing in Love Through Grace: While it may seem daunting to love God without measure, Catholics believe that through God's grace, individuals can grow in love and deepen their relationship with Him over time. This growth occurs through prayer, the sacraments, acts of charity, and a life of virtue.

Eternal Reward: Finally, loving God without measure leads to the ultimate reward of eternal communion with Him in heaven. In Catholic theology, the Beatific Vision—the direct, intuitive knowledge of God's essence—is the fulfillment of this love, where the soul experiences perfect happiness and union with God for all eternity.
In summary, St. Bernard's quote underscores the profound depth and breadth of love that Catholics are called to have for God. It challenges believers to strive for a love that transcends human limitations and to seek union with God as the highest aim of their lives.
In addition, we ponder the words of St. Augustine, who eloquently described the Church's struggles in the face of error, indifference, and spiritual apathy. He writes, "Scattered about the entire earth, your mother the Church is tormented by the assaults of error... Who then will give her the necessary help she cries for if not her children and other members to whose number you belong?"
The Church as Mother: St. Augustine refers to the Church as "your mother," emphasizing the familial relationship between believers and the Church. In Catholic theology, the Church is often referred to as the Mother Church, nurturing and guiding its members in their faith journey.

Assaults of Error: St. Augustine acknowledges that the Church faces challenges from erroneous teachings and ideologies. This could refer to heresies, false doctrines, or secular ideologies that contradict Catholic teachings. It reflects the ongoing battle between truth and falsehood in the spiritual realm.

Laziness and Indifference: St. Augustine laments the spiritual apathy and indifference displayed by some members of the Church. This indifference could manifest in various ways, such as neglecting prayer, sacraments, or charitable works, or failing to defend the faith in the face of opposition.

Members Growing Cold: St. Augustine observes a decline in fervor and zeal among some members of the Church. This may refer to a weakening of faith, a loss of spiritual fervency, or a departure from the teachings and practices of the Church.
The Church's Role in Nurturing: St. Augustine portrays the Church as a nurturing mother who cares for her children. However, he also recognizes that the Church's ability to fulfill this role is hindered by various factors, including internal challenges and external opposition.
The Call to Action: St. Augustine poses a rhetorical question, asking who will provide the necessary help to the Church in her time of need. He implies that it is the responsibility of the members of the Church, including the listener, to step up and support the Church in its mission.
Unity and Solidarity: St. Augustine emphasizes the collective responsibility of all members of the Church to support and strengthen her. He highlights the importance of unity and solidarity among believers in upholding and defending the faith.

In summary, St. Augustine's quote serves as a call to action for Catholics to recognize the challenges facing the Church, to resist spiritual apathy and indifference, and to actively contribute to the Church's mission of spreading the Gospel and nurturing the faith of its members. It underscores the collective responsibility of believers to support and defend the Church in its ongoing battle against error and spiritual decline.
Drawing upon these profound insights, we delve into discussions on the nature of love, the challenges confronting the Church in the modern world, and our role as faithful members of the Body of Christ. How can we love God without measure, and how can we support and strengthen our Church in times of trial?
Here's a breakdown of this scripture:
Acknowledgment of Human Weakness: The psalmist begins by acknowledging their own weaknesses and failings. They confess to feeling embittered and ignorant, likening themselves to a beast in their behavior towards God. This reflects the human experience of grappling with sin and spiritual shortcomings.

Continual Presence of God: Despite their own failings, the psalmist recognizes that God is continually present with them. They acknowledge God's unwavering presence and the comforting image of God holding their right hand, symbolizing guidance and support.

Divine Guidance and Counsel: The psalmist finds solace in the fact that God guides them with His counsel. This highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom and direction in navigating life's challenges and decisions.

Hope of Glory: The psalmist expresses confidence in God's promise of future glory. They trust that God will ultimately receive them into His heavenly kingdom, where they will experience eternal joy and fulfillment in His presence.

Sole Devotion to God: The psalmist declares their exclusive devotion to God, recognizing that there is nothing in heaven or on earth that compares to Him. This reflects the traditional Catholic understanding of the primacy of God in one's life and the importance of prioritizing Him above all else.

God as Strength and Portion: Finally, the psalmist affirms their trust in God as their ultimate source of strength and sustenance. They acknowledge the frailty of human flesh and heart, but declare God to be their eternal portion and refuge.

In summary, Psalm 73:21-26 from a traditional Catholic perspective portrays a deep sense of reliance on God's presence, guidance, and provision, even in the face of personal weaknesses and struggles. It underscores the importance of trust, devotion, and hope in God's promises as central aspects of the believer's spiritual journey.
Join us as we reflect on these timeless words of wisdom and explore their relevance in our lives today. Together, let us deepen our love for God and renew our commitment to support and defend our beloved Church.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with God and their involvement in the life of the Church as they engage with the themes presented in this episode.