And thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXIt was love that motivated His self-emptying, that led Him to become a little lower than angels, to be subject to parents, to bow His head beneath the Baptist’s hands, to endure the weakness of the flesh, and to submit to death even upon the cross
More Bernard of Clairvaux Quotes
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Death is the gate of life.
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True love does not demand a reward, but it deserves one.
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Love 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.
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He rightly reads scripture who turns words into deeds.
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A pretext is never lacking to him who would break with a friend.
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Let no one believe that he has received the divine kiss, if he knows the truth without loving it or loves it without understanding it. But blessed is that kiss whereby not only is God recognized but also the Father is loved; for there is never full knowledge without perfect love.
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If anyone makes himself his own master in the spiritual life, he makes himself scholar to a fool.
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We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us.
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Have death always before your eyes as a salutary means of returning to God.
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Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.
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Among us on the earth there is His memory; but in the Kingdom of heaven His very Presence. That Presence is the joy of those who have already attained to beatitude; the memory is the comfort of us who are still wayfarers, journeying towards the Fatherland.
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Love me, love my dog.
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The piercing nail has become a key to unlock the door, that I may see the good will of the Lord. And what can I see as I look through the hole?
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The 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.
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Hell is full of good wishes or desires.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX