Showing results by author "Saint Bernard of Clairvaux" in All Categories

On Loving God is first a touching description of God's love for us as a unmistakably demonstrated in the death of his Son. Second, it is a call for us to joyfully respond to God like the child who runs to and embraces her father whose love is sure.

"We are to love God for himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable." On Loving God is first a touching description of God's love for us as an unmistakably demonstrated in the death of his son. Second, it is a call for us to joyfully respond to God like the child who runs to and embraces her father whose love is sure. As St. Bernard writes, "They love all the more, because they know themselves to be loved so exceedingly."

On Loving God stands as a cornerstone of Medieval Christian mysticism, renowned for its profound insights into the nature of divine love. Commissioned by a cardinal of Rome, this influential work explores the four distinct “levels” of love for God, beautifully framing Christian devotion within the context of God’s unwavering love for humanity. Summary by Kirsten Ferreri.

In this profound exploration of divine love, Saint Bernard passionately articulates why God is worthy of our love and the boundless nature of that affection. His work, On Loving God, stands as one of the most cherished and widely read texts from the twelfth century, bridging the wisdom of the early Church Fathers with the contemplative insights of the Middle Ages. Bernards assertion that God should be loved without limits—sine modo—echoes the teachings of Saint Augustine. While not a product of scholastic theology, this tract showcases the eras love for logical reasoning and a meticulous ...

This treatise emerges from a fascinating dialogue, likely sparked by a public or semi-public exchange with an unnamed individual. Here, St. Bernard passionately advocates for the transformative power of grace, yet he finds himself at risk of downplaying the essential role of free will. The text radiates the essence of mystical theology—not the secretive kind, but rather that which resonates with the everyday Christian navigating lifes complexities. It’s remarkable how this ascetic, a recluse by choice, engages with a topic that profoundly echoes the heartbeats of ordinary humanity.