Prostrate, see Thy cross I grasp,And Thy pierced feet I clasp;Gracious Jesus, spurn me not;On me, with compassion fraught.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXProstrate, see Thy cross I grasp,And Thy pierced feet I clasp;Gracious Jesus, spurn me not;On me, with compassion fraught.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXTo serve Mary is a mark of eternal salvation to come.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXThere is no greater misery than false joys.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXThe heart of Christ can be seen through the openings of his wounds. For what can prove to me so clearly as your wounds that you, O Lord Jesus, are sweet & mild & plenteous in mercy.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXIt is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXIngratitude is the soul’s enemy… Ingratitude is a burning wind that dries up the source of love, the dew of mercy, the streams of grace.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXPersecution shows who is a hireling, and who a true pastor.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXMany of those who are humiliated are not humble. Some react to humiliation with anger, others with patience, and others with freedom. The first are culpable, the next harmless, the last just.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXHe rightly reads scripture who turns words into deeds.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXLove is alone sufficient by itself, it pleases by itself and for it’s own sake. It is itself a merit, and itself it’s own recompense. It seeks neither cause, nor consequences beyond itself. It is its own fruit, its own object and usefulness. I love because I love you, I love that I may love.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXDeath is the gate of life.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXWhat does God hate or punish except self-will? Let self-will cease, and there will be no hell. On what does that fire feed except on self-will?
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXVines and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXIf you would know whether you have made a good confession, ask yourself I you have resolved to abandon your sins.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXWe find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXGod has aroused the spirit of kings and princes to root up from the earth the enemies of the Christian name. Therefore gird yourselves manfully and take up joyful arms for the name of Christ.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX