We have just heard two parables, and perhaps like Gideon, we have difficulty understanding what God is talking about. Remember that humility is the key.

The obscure parable from the Old Testament belongs to an era before God had established kings for Israel. Abmilech persuaded the leaders of Schechem to murder all his brothers and proclaim him as king.

Jotham, a man of God, wished to warn the people that this was not the plan of God. The point of the parable is that all the productive trees and vines which gave forth olives, or figs, or grapes, refused in humility to usurp kingship. They had a useful role which God had designated for them.

The dried up thorn bush, useless and dangerous eagerly assumed the role of king. Since he had not been chosen by God but assumed this position, he had nothing to offer the people. On the contrary he would bring them to harm and destruction. He was the thorn bush.

In the gospel parable, which is difficult to interpret, the moral revolves around this same truth that God chooses to give his gifts gratuitously, not in accord with any imagined merit, but always without any injustice.

All the workers received a just wage, which they had agreed to accept. The late corners received more out of generosity by the owner of the estate; but being generous to them in no way infringed on the rights to the early workers; they were given what they had been promised and agreed to. God is just; but he is even more lavish in his generosity and mercy.

Today the Church honors Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the most dominant personalities of the twelfth century. Without doubt he would have been not only man of the year or century but perhaps candidate for man of all times.

To be all that he was, to accomplish all that he did, to leave such a mark on history speaks well for the example of this saint. He was ordained into the Cistercian order but found it very much in need of a spiritual updating.

He founded a new monastery at Clairvaux where the monks did not remain exclusively behind the walls but became a dominant and influential evangelist throughout Western Europe. Eventually he would open 68 new monasteries

Despite his holiness and popularity, as one should expect, he also had his critics who considered him too moderate, or too innovative. One said: You are always trying to change the way things have always been done. Another said: You habitually take the middle road between varies opponents, satisfying no one but yourself.

The truth lies in Bernard’s inner conflict. He had been the master of an exceptionally many-sided nature, to reconcile different talents, and with many gifts, to remain single-minded. This resulted in his being able to take up various attitudes and different activities.

He never tired of speaking of the Divine life and love which is communicated to us from the Father, through the Son, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

He was an exceptional man, not in the experience of visions or ecstasies; but in the daily living in the complete generosity and mystery of Christ. The judgment of his contemporaries is confirmed: Bernard was a man of God. With all his gifts, he had renounced all things; and though he had certain weaknesses, he was a man moved by the power of the Lord.