Vines and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXVines and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXO Blessed Mary, whoever loves you honors God; whoever serves you pleases God; whoever invokes your holy name with a pure heart will infallibly receive the object of his petition.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXLet 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.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXWho loves me will love my dog also.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXThe true measure of loving God is to love him without measure.
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 CLAIRVAUXHow beautiful then is modesty and what a gem among virtues it is.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXAction and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.
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 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 CLAIRVAUXGrace is necessary to salvation, free will equally so – but grace in order to give salvation, free will in order to receive it.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXIf she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal.
BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUXNay, what is worse, turning over corrupt and evil thoughts in mine heart, I thrust a dreadful offensiveness into His presence.
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 CLAIRVAUXI know by myself how incomprehensible God is, seeing I cannot comprehend the parts of my own being.
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 CLAIRVAUX