In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8
“Ever since I learnt your wish, though I have been turning the matter over in my mind, I cannot easily venture to decide what temper of mind suggested it. For you may in this thing have a zeal towards God, so that your purpose may be excusable. But how such a wish as yours can be fulfilled consistently with prudence I entirely fail to see. “Why so?” you ask. “Is it not wise for me to flee from wealth and the throng of cities, and from the good cheer and pleasure of life? Shall I not keep my purity more safely in the desert, where I can live in peace with just a few, or even alone, and please Him alone to whom I have pledged myself?” By no means. If one would live in an evil manner, the desert brings abundant opportunity: the wood a protecting shade, and solitude silence. The evil that no one sees, no one reproves. Where no critic is feared, there the tempter gains easier access, there wickedness is more readily committed. It is otherwise in a convent. If you do anything good no one prevents you, but if you would do evil you are hindered by many obstacles. If you yield to temptation, it is at once known to many, and is reproved and corrected. So, on the other hand, when you are seen to do anything good, all admire, revere, and copy it. You see, then, my daughter, that in a convent a larger renown awaits your good deeds, and a more speedy rebuke your faults, because there are others there to whom you may set an example by good deeds and whom you will offend by evil.”
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) in “Letter LIII” in Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 146.
Bernard emerges a key figure in the founding of the Cisterian 0rder of monks, a reformed group that spun off from the Benedictines, whom we highlighted yesterday. Like the Benedictines, the Cisterians focused on prayer and work with an extra emphasis charity and self-sufficiency. Whether male or female, they chose to live their lives for God cloistered in community and aimed collectively and caring for each other and blessing outsiders rather than living scattered in a city.
Today’s post comes from a letter between a young woman and Bernard, who served as the abbot (the head of the abbey of monks). In it we discover the idea of abundance in Bernard’s thinking.
This particular young woman seeks Bernard’s advice. She’s thinking of leaving the convent. Ironically, Bernard notes that people have abundant opportunity live for themselves anywhere, whether out in the city or in the cloister. From there, he highlights the value and function of the community. Therein, others set an example for you and can be impacted by the good that you do, while they (as your brothers or sisters) stand ready to rebuke your faults and help you follow Jesus.
Consider the modern applications. When we participate a small group in a community believers such as a local church, our good deeds can influence others more greatly. Furthermore, we have accountability to stay on track ourselves. Are you part of such a community? Like the Cisterians, we must pray and work with the aim of caring for our own needs and ministering to others. If we set an example for one another and remind each other to live this way, together we show the world the Christian faith.