Death 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 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 I know of the divine sciences and Holy Scriptures, I learned in woods and fields. I have no other masters than the beeches and the oaks.
Bernard of ClairvauxHumility is, of all graces, the chiefest when it does not know itself to be a grace at all.
Bernard of ClairvauxThe piercing nail has become a key to unlock the door, that I may see the good will of the Lord. And what can I see as I look through the hole? Both the nail and the wound cry out that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself... Through these sacred wounds we can see the secret of his heart, the great mystery of love.
Bernard of Clairvaux