Bernard of Clairvaux Quotes

There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.

God will either give us what we ask, or what He knows to be better for us.

The three most important virtues are humility, humility, and humility.

The measure of love is love without measure.

What we love we shall grow to resemble.

If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. For a canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs.

We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us.

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.

O 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.

Jesus to me is honey in the mouth, music in the ear, a song in the heart.

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.

Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.

The more I contemplate God, the more God looks on me. The more I pray to him, the more he thinks of me too.

All things are possible to one who believes.

there 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.

Wherever...thou shalt be, pray secretly within thyself. If thou shalt be far from a house of prayer, give not thyself trouble to seek for one, for thou thyself art a sanctuary designed for prayer. If thou shalt be in bed, or in any other place, pray there; thy temple is there.

God will become visible as God's image is reborn in you.

You wish to see; listen. Hearing is a step toward Vision.

Spiritual life is like living water that springs up from the very depths of our own spiritual experience. In spiritual life everyone has to drink from his or her own well.

Expect much of God, and he will do much for you.

Love of Mary and devotion to her are a sure sign of obtaining eternal salvation.

The Eucharist is that love which surpasses all loves in Heaven and on earth

The rivers of Grace cannot flow uphill, up the steep cliff of the proud man's heart.

If anyone makes himself his own master in the spiritual life, he makes himself scholar to a fool.

Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire... Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.