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.
Bernard of ClairvauxI do a great wrong in His sight, when I beseech Him that He will hear my prayer, which as I give utterance to it, I do not hear myself. I entreat Him that He will think of me; but I regard neither myself nor Him. Nay, what is worse, turning over corrupt and evil thoughts in mine heart, I thrust a dreadful offensiveness into His presence.
Bernard of ClairvauxInordinate love for the flesh is cruelty, because under the appearance of pleasing the body, we kill the soul.
Bernard of ClairvauxAnd truly, O man, if you concentrate hard on the state you are in it will be surprising if you have time for anything else.
Bernard of ClairvauxI know by myself how incomprehensible God is, seeing I cannot comprehend the parts of my own being.
Bernard of Clairvaux