“Be like a well that first collects water within itself and then pours it out in abundance” (St. Bernard).
In today’s quote, St. Bernard emphasizes that we must walk the path of holiness ourselves, which produces abundant fruit when His grace can act powerfully in us. All teachers of the spiritual life will affirm this. In fact, it is entirely logical, “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Lk 6:45).
Sometimes religious people may feel scruples and wonder whether it is selfish to devote a great deal of time to cultivating their relationship with God. Undoubtedly, this can happen when the duties of one’s state in life are neglected, thus creating a certain disharmony. However, in general, nurturing our relationship with God is an expression of the greatest love and reverence for our Father. It is there that love awakens in our hearts. If we keep this in mind, today’s saying makes sense, because rivers of living water (cf. Jn 7:38) must flow from within us—that is, the torrents of His grace must reach other people through our lives.
If we become receptive to His grace so that it can constantly reach us and find a response, we will have become a well that never runs dry, because our Father’s love has no limits and always desires to give Himself. The well will always be full as long as there are no holes through which the water can escape. We must pay close attention to this.
Crystal-clear water, living water, healthy water, purifying water…
By His grace, that water must flow to us and to all people. What a beautiful task! And the more wells there are, the more water they will pour out.