St. Bernard of Clairvaux is known for his incredible holiness, reforming religious life, founding the Cistercian Order, establishing 72 monasteries throughout Europe and writing and preaching profoundly on the faith. His wisdom resounds through the ages down to us today, leading us ever closer to Jesus through St. Bernard and the Blessed Mother, to whom the great saint was deeply devoted. As we celebrate his feast day today, consider reflecting on these 10 nuggets of wisdom! St. Bernard of Clairvaux, pray for us!
“We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable.”
“O Mary, remember that it has never been heard of in any age, that any sinner who turned to you was rejected by you. I am a miserable sinner, but I turn to you and trust in you.”
“Love seeks no cause beyond itself and no fruit; it is its own fruit, its own enjoyment. I love because I love; I love in order that I may love.”
“Ingratitude 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.”
Let us then cast ourselves at the feet of this good Mother, and embracing them let us not depart until she blesses us, and accepts us for her children.”
“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall, under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal.”
“How good and pleasant it is to dwell in the Heart of Jesus! Who is there who does not love a heart so wounded? Who can refuse a return of love to a Heart so loving? Amen.”
“Let us not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; for the more she is honored, the greater is the glory of her Son. There can be no doubt that whatever we say in praise of the Mother gives equal praise to the Son.”
“Are you troubled? Think but of Jesus – speak but the name of Jesus, the clouds disperse and peace descends anew from heaven. Have you fallen into sin? So that you fear death? … Invoke the name of Jesus and you will soon feel life returning. No obduracy of the soul, no weakness, no coldness of heart can resist this holy name – there is no heart which will not soften and open in tears at this holy name.”
“The three most important virtues are: humility, humility and humility.”
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