How the Last Becomes First
Thus the Holy Spirit
through his sevenfold grace destroys the sevenfold misery in the human soul. In
its place he builds within the soul a sevenfold blessedness.
Thus the Holy Spirit through his sevenfold grace destroys
the sevenfold misery in the human soul. In its place he builds within the soul
a sevenfold blessedness. Through the spirit of fear he makes the blessed poor
in spirit. Through the spirit of piety he makes them meek. Through the spirit
of knowledge he makes them mournful. Through the spirit of fortitude he makes
them hunger and thirst for justice. Through the spirit of counsel he makes them
merciful. Through the spirit of understanding he makes them pure of heart.
Through the spirit of wisdom he makes them peacemakers, since wisdom conquers
wickedness. The peace of God, "which surpasses all understanding",
rises up in their hearts. This represents the perfection of God's servants.
How one who has fallen rises again and moves forward. We
have been made in the image of God. We cling to the Father through the power of
memory, to the Son by means of our reason or understanding, and to the Holy
Spirit through our will.
SAINT BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX