Join Father Jim Marchionda from the St. Pius V Priory Chapel in Chicago for a transformative reflection on the Memorial of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (August 20th). This powerful message reveals one of Scripture's most affirming and challenging truths: God's holiness is displayed through us.
Drawing from the prophet Ezekiel, Father Jim unpacks the reassuring covenant promise: "You shall be my people, and I will be your God." But there's more to this divine promise than comfort—it carries profound responsibility. God declares that He will prove His holiness to the nations through His people. Not through grand miracles or divine displays, but through the lives of ordinary believers like you and me.
This raises a stunning realization: the very holiness of God that the world needs to witness—especially those who deny God—comes through our actions, our compassion, our integrity, and our faith. We are not just recipients of God's grace; we are the living manifestation of God's holiness to a watching world.
Father Jim challenges us with a simple yet profound practice: look in the mirror daily and remember these words. Every time you see your reflection, remember that you are chosen by God, blessed by God, and called to be the place where God's holiness shines into the world.
A Word of Hope: By God's plan, the very holiness of God is dependent on you. You are God's people, and through you, God shows His face to the world.
Timeline
- 0:00-0:32 – Introduction from St. Pius V Priory Chapel in Chicago; Memorial of St. Bernard of Clairvaux
- 0:32-0:53 – The reassuring opening: "You shall be my people, and I will be your God"
- 0:53-1:24 – God's promise to prove His holiness through His people
- 1:24-2:00 – The dual reality: honor and grave responsibility
- 2:00-2:35 – God's holiness comes through us, not through grand displays
- 2:35-3:00 – Personal challenge: Look in the mirror and remember who you are
- 3:00-3:30 – Final affirmation: God's holiness depends on you by His divine plan
- 3:30-3:36 – Closing blessing
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