Gospel in Art: Saint Bernard, Abbot, Doctor

Christ embracing Saint Bernard, by Francisco Ribalta, 1625 - 1627 © Prado Museum, Madrid

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 August 2025
Matthew 20:1-16

At that time: Jesus told his disciples this parable, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market-place, and to them he said, "You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you." So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, "Why do you stand here idle all day?" They said to him, "Because no one has hired us." He said to them, "You go into the vineyard too."

'And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, "Call the labourers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first." And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, "These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat." But he replied to one of them, "Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?" So the last will be first, and the first last.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Born in 1090, Bernard spent his early years near Dijon, France. At the age of 22 he joined the Cistercians, bringing with him a splendid education and a fervent passion for his faith. His zeal was so compelling that he persuaded his brothers, uncle, and many friends to join him at the abbey. Bernard initially entered the abbey at Citeaux. However, just three years later, he was sent with 12 other monks to establish a new monastery in the Diocese of Champagne. This monastery became known as Clairvaux - the Valley of Light. Bernard served as the abbot of Clairvaux for the remainder of his life. His leadership and charisma attracted numerous followers, significantly expanding the Cistercian order. His influence extended beyond the monastery as he became a key advisor to popes, a mediator in political disputes, and a fervent preacher of the Second Crusade. Bernard's theological writings, particularly on the love of God, humility, and the Virgin Mary, have left a lasting impact. Bernard's writings and sermons helped shape medieval theology.

I remember distinctly seeing today's painting for the first time, some ten years ago, at the Prado Museum in Madrid. It made a deep impression on me. The painting depicts a mystical vision of Saint Bernard, experiencing an intimate encounter with Christ. Jesus is depicted with a gentle and compassionate expression, tenderly embracing Saint Bernard. Jesus' arms are lifted from the crucifix to wrap his arms around Bernard, whilst his feet are still nailed to the cross. The embrace symbolises the intimate relationship between the believer and the divine. The background of the painting is dark and subdued, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figures and conveying the mystical.

I will leave you with this short quote by Saint Bernard: "What we love we shall grow to resemble." - This simple yet profound line captures the heart of Christian transformation: that in loving Christ, we are gradually conformed to His image. Simple, yet very powerful words.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-20-1-16-2025/