True penance consists in regretting without ceasing the faults of the past, and in firmly resolving to never again commit that which is so deplorable.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXTrue penance consists in regretting without ceasing the faults of the past, and in firmly resolving to never again commit that which is so deplorable.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXPride only, the chief of all iniquities, can make us treat gifts as if they were rightful attributes of our nature, and, while receiving benefits, rob our Benefactor of His due glory.
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 CLAIRVAUXVines and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXA truly obedient man does not discriminate between one thing and another, since his only aim is to execute faithfully whatever may be assigned to him.
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 CLAIRVAUXBelieve one who has tried, you shall find a fuller satisfaction in the woods than in the books. The trees and the rocks will teach you that which you cannot hear from the masters.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXLove me, love my dog.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXUnderstanding is the sure and clear knowledge of some invisible thing.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXHave death always before your eyes as a salutary means of returning to God.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXPrayer is a virtue that prevaileth against all temptations.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXPride causes us to use our gifts as though they came from ourselves, not benefits received from God, and to usurp our benefactor’s glory.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXFor I have learnt for a fact that nothing so effectively obtains, retains and regains grace, as that we should always be found not high-minded before God, but filled with holy fear.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXthere are four degrees of love: 1) Love of self for self’s sake. 2) Love of God for self’s sake. 3) Love of God for God’s own sake. 4) Love of self for God’s sake.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXThere is no greater misery than false joys.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXThe measure of love is love without measure.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX