St. Bernard of Clairvaux

There are three distinct comings of the Lord of which I know: His coming to men, His coming into men, and His coming against men. 1

Love is sufficient of itself; it gives pleasure by itself and because of itself. It is its own merit, its own reward. Love looks for no cause outside itself, no effect beyond itself. Its profit lies in the practice. Of all the movements, sensations and feelings of the soul, love is the only one in which the creature can respond to the Creator and make some sort of similar return however unequal though it be. For when God loves, all he desires is to be loved in return. The sole purpose of his love is to be loved, in the knowledge that those who love him are made happy by their love of him. 2

The goodness of God knows how to use our disordered wishes and actions, often lovingly turning them to our advantage while always preserving the beauty of ‘His’ order. 3

The grace of contemplation is granted only in response to a longing insistent desire. 4

The saints have no need of honor from us; neither does our devotion add the slightest thing to what is theirs. Clearly, if we venerate their memory, it serves us, not them. But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by tremendous yearning. 5

It is a fault, not a virtue, to wish your humility recognized and applauded. 6

God is never sought in vain, even when God cannot be found. 7

Jesus is honey in the mouth, music in the ear, and a shout of joy in the heart. 8

The heart of Christ can be seen through the openings of his wounds. For what can prove to me so clearly as your wounds that you, O Lord Jesus, are sweet & mild & plenteous in mercy. 9