If anyone makes himself his own master in the spiritual life, he makes himself scholar to a fool.
Bernard of ClairvauxDeath is the gate of life. 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. You will find something far greater in the woods than you will find in books. Stones and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.
Bernard of ClairvauxWe are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable.
Bernard of Clairvaux