Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
Here’s a beautiful depiction of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a central figure in 12th-century Christian spirituality and monastic reform. Now, let’s explore his life, legacy, and writings through a richly detailed overview.
Who Was Saint Bernard of Clairvaux?
- Early Life (1090–1113): Born around 1090 in Fontaine-lès-Dijon, Burgundy, Bernard was the third of seven children in a noble family. From a young age, he showed aptitude for literature and rhetoric, studying at Chatillon-sur-Seine under secular canons.
- Monastic Calling: In 1113, Bernard followed the Cistercian founders to Cîteaux Abbey, inspiring many (including his father) to join the reformed Benedictine order.
- Founding Clairvaux: Just three years later, he led a group of 12 monks to establish Clairvaux Abbey in 1115, earning a reputation for both strict devotion and magnetic leadership.
His Life & Influence
Reform and Expansion
Bernard was instrumental in the rapid spread of the Cistercian Order. He helped found or affiliate over 60 abbeys during his lifetime, laying the groundwork for 163 monastic communities across Europe.
Peacemaker and Church Leader
When the papal schism erupted in 1130, Bernard stepped in, artfully defending Pope Innocent II against the antipope Anacletus II and restoring unity within the Church
He also helped mediate between feuding cities and rulers, advocating for ecclesial unity and peace Christian History Institute+6Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington+6Catholic News Agency+6.
Crusade and Controversies
Bernard famously preached the Second Crusade at Vézelay in 1146, rallying chivalry and zeal across France. However, the campaign ended in disaster, leaving Bernard burdened by grief and responsibility Wikipedia+2stbernardcc.org+2.
He also actively combated heretical movements like the Petrobrusians, lending his voice to reinforce orthodoxy in southern France.
Death and Recognition
Bernard passed away on August 20, 1153, after four decades of cherished service to the Church. He was canonized in 1174 by Pope Alexander III and later declared a Doctor of the Church in 1830 by Pope Pius VIII The True Enlightenment!+13Wikipedia+13Catholic News Agency+13.
Legacy & Spiritual Impact
- Mystic and Preacher: Bernard merged contemplative mysticism with dynamic outreach—his sermons on the Song of Songs and theological depth left an enduring influence Wikipedia.
- Reformation of Religious Life: As a “chimera of his age,” Bernard balanced contemplative rigor with active ecclesial duties, solidifying Cistercian identity and moral clarity.
- Mariology: His devotion to Mary was profound. He famously described her as the “aquaeduct of grace”, and Dante later cast Bernard as the guide in the Paradiso for his Marian wisdom.
- Theological Authority: Bernard shaped Western theology by privileging experiential, affective faith over scholastic rationalism, influencing mystics and reformers alike, including John Calvin and Martin Luther WikipediaEncyclopedia Britannica.
His Writings are Treasures of Spirituality
Bernard’s prolific writings span sermons, letters, treatises, and theological reflections. Key works include:
- Sermons on the Song of Songs, richly allegorical and deeply emotional (including the moving Sermon 26, mourning his brother Gerard) Wikipedia.
- Sermones per annum: 125 liturgical sermons.
- De consideratione, advising Pope Eugene III on the primacy of prayer before action.
- Other Treatises like De diligendo Deo (On Loving God), De gradibus humilitatis et superbiae (Steps of Humility and Pride), and Liber ad milites templi (In Praise of the New Knighthood).
- Letters: Over 547 letters survive, revealing his pastoral, spiritual, and political engagements Wikipedia.
Let us explore two of his writings more closely
“On Loving God” (De Diligendo Deo) and Saint Bernard’s Sermons on the Song of Songs are two masterpieces that illuminate the spiritual journey from human love to divine union.
1. On Loving God (De Diligendo Deo)
Essence & Structure
Bernard opens this treatise with a simple yet profound teaching: “the reason for loving God is God himself, and the measure is to love without measure. Studocu+15EBSCO+15abbey.cistercian.org+15
He explores why God is to be loved… not merely for what He gives, but because He first loved us unconditionally (cf. John 3:16; Romans 8:32) pathsoflove.com.
He then outlines the “four degrees of love”, depicting the spiritual trajectory from self‑centeredness toward total self‑abandonment for God’s sake Prodigal Catholic+2pathsoflove.com+2:
- Love for self, for the rewards or comfort it brings.
- Love of God for what He gives—a less mature devotion.
- Love of God for Himself—a purer, more heartfelt love.
- Love even of self, only because of God—complete self‑giving, transcending self‑interest.
At the end, he reminds us that perfect love may only be fully realized in the resurrection. Yet its seeds can be sown on our earthly journey Wikipedia+9pathsoflove.com+9pathsoflove.com+9Prodigal Catholic.
Spiritual Significance
This work is an invitation for contemplative reflection, urging us toward a deep, transformative love. Bernard’s poetic yet rational style weaves theology with heartfelt devotion, encouraging both scholars and simple souls alike hprweb.com+15EBSCO+15Prodigal Catholic+15. Through self-awareness and gratitude, we grow in love of neighbor and God.
2. Sermons on the Song of Songs
Overview & Purpose
Bernard delivered a celebrated series—86 sermons—offering a mystical interpretation of the biblical Song of Songs, casting it as the allegory of God’s love for the soul, likened to a bridegroom and bride Wikipedia+3pathsoflove.com+3MDPI+3.
He notably begins by asserting that this Canticle of love is meant not for novices but for those matured in spiritual longing:
“Only a true lover will be capable of grasping its meaning… It is truly a nuptial song…”churchlifejournal.nd.edu+1MDPI
Interpretive Vision
Bernard’s exegesis emphasizes mystical union (not physical, but spiritual intimacy) with God. The imagery of kisses, fragrances, and longing speaks to the soul’s deep desire and consummation in divine love pathsoflove.comhprweb.com.
Scholars have also examined how his mystical lens influenced later thinkers. His allegorical reading shaped later medieval theology, including Aquinas, the Dominicans, and the broader Cistercian spiritual tradition MDPIcentaur.reading.ac.uk. After Bernard’s death in 1153, his fellow Cistercians (Gilbert of Hoyland and later John of Forde) continued his work, extending the commentary beyond its original conclusion churchlifejournal.nd.edu+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5.
Spiritual Resonance
His sermons elevate the Song of Songs from courtly romance to the sacred drama of soul and Savior, offering rich meditative language to devotional seekers. Bernard’s rhetorical mastery invites one into contemplative participation rather than intellectual analysis centaur.reading.ac.uk+3Wikipedia+3pathsoflove.com+3.
3. Putting It All Together
| Work | Focus | Spiritual Path Depicted |
| On Loving God | Treatise on love’s nature | Growth through four stages of love |
| Sermons on Song of Songs | Mystical commentary on desire | Soul’s intimate union with divine Bridegroom |
While On Loving God provides a structured roadmap for spiritual love (progressing inward toward God) his Sermonsbring that love to life in vivid, intimate imagery. Together, they form a sweeping vision: from reasoned love to ecstatic union.
🕊️ The Four Degrees of Love – Key Passages & Reflections
Let’s explore some key passages from Bernard’s On Loving God, specifically his famed teaching on the Four Degrees of Love, and then we’ll follow with a short meditation inspired by these stages.
1. Love of Self for Self’s Sake
“Man was created in the image of God, to love. But in the Fall, he turned inward. He now begins by loving himself for his own sake.”
This is the starting point for all humanity—natural, self-preserving love. It is not sinful in itself, but it remains unredeemed until it opens outward.
2. Love of God for One’s Own Sake
“When hardship strikes, and man calls upon God for help, he begins to love Him—not for who He is, but for what He provides.”
Bernard sees this as an awakening love, born from gratitude and need. It is imperfect, but it opens the soul to God’s goodness.
3. Love of God for God’s Sake
“Blessed is the soul who, once drawn by God’s sweetness, begins to love God for what He is, not what He gives.”
This is true charity—to love God not out of fear or need, but in awe of His beauty, truth, and majesty.
4. Love of Self for God’s Sake
“The soul becomes so united to God that even its love of self is ordered by divine love… such that it wills only what God wills.”
This final degree, Bernard says, is rarely attained in this life. It is the transformation of the soul, where all love is rooted in God’s vision, not our own.
🌿 A Short Meditation: “From Self to Love Divine”
O Lord, Love eternal and source of all desire,
I come to You with a heart that is still learning to love.
At first, I loved only myself, as a child cradles its own need.
Then I saw Your mercy, and I loved You for what You gave—
health, comfort, safety, answers to prayer.
But You drew me deeper.
You taught me to love You simply because You are good.
Like fire warming my cold limbs, Your beauty melted my wants.
And now I pray: let even my self-love be transformed.
Let me love myself not for vanity, but as one loved by You—
fashioned for glory, created for communion,
held in Your gaze, not mine.
O Love beyond measure, teach me to lose myself in You,
so that in You, I may find my truest self—
and in that finding, love You evermore.
In Summary
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux stands as a towering medieval figure—a mystic whose love for Christ inspired profound devotion, a reformer who transformed monastic life, a peacemaker for the Church, and an eloquent writer whose words still nourish spiritual seekers today.
