Saturday, October 3, 2009

Thank You St. Bernard....

I was reading an article about miscarriage on another blog which included the words that St. Bernard of Clairvaux said to someone who was suffering after miscarriage, wondering about the eternal salvation of her child. Here are his words:
St. Bernard said, “Your faith spoke for this child. Baptism for this child was only delayed by time. Your faith suffices. The waters of your womb — were they not the waters of life for this child? Look at your tears. Are they not like the waters of baptism? Do not fear this. God’s ability to love is greater than our fears. Surrender everything to God.”

Several years ago I had written on my blog about hoping that my only biological child who died before birth, was in heaven. A young man who sometimes read my blog, wrote to tell me that my baby was definitely in hell because he hadn't been baptized. Others wrote to give me hope, but he kept writing back insisting otherwise and his words were so wounding. This young man is now in seminary and I surely hope that while there, he learns something about pastoral care and is not so harsh with some poor mother in the future who has suffered the loss of her baby before birth.
Thank you St. Bernard....

A blessed, peaceful weekend to all.....

2 comments:

jordin said...

I believe that your child, and mine, are both in heaven. this young man hasnt lived enough to question such things fully. His experiences are finite. That is not the case with God; His love is infinite. His heart, i pray, will change in discovering circumstances that are beyond our mortal powers.... again, nothing is beyond God's power. Nothing. God loves your child deeper than you (or any other person) can. And i cant imagine (through reading my bible and understanding it) there is any 'technicality' that would take away an unborn childs salvation. I understand that we are all born sinful and that baptism removes that... but i agree with St Benard.

That was really long. I am sorry it was so long, and very very sorry that this young man said such things to you.

Cathy said...

Well said St Bernard!