The Call to Arms

“O Mighty soldier, O man of war.
You now have a cause for which you can fight
without endangering your soul.
A cause in which to win is glorious
and for which to die is but gain.
Or are you a shrewd businessman?
A man quick to see the profits of this world.
If you are, I can offer you a splendid bargain.
Do not miss this opportunity…Take the cross at once!
You will have indulgence for all the sins
Which you confess with a contrite heart…
It does not cost you much to buy…
If you wear it with humility you will find that it is worth…
The Kingdom of Heaven.”

Bernard of Clairvaux