St. Bernard’s Sermons on the Canticle of Canticles, Volume 1
Overview
Translated from the original Latin into English, these sermons on the “Song of Solomon, instead of being dry-as-dust homilies, are as varied and many-colored as is the spiritual life, every aspect of which they discuss with equal solidity and elegance.” Volume one of St. Bernard’s Sermons on the Canticle of Canticles contains sermons 1–43.
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This product is part of The Medieval Preaching and Spirituality Collection (34 vols.).
- Offers 43 sermons from this Doctor of the Church
- Brings the Song of Solomon to life
- Provides insight into the Middle Ages
Top Highlights
“We must therefore suppose that, under divine inspiration, he celebrates the praises of Christ and His Church, the grace of heavenly love, and the mysteries of the eternal marriage. He also gives expression to the desires of the holy soul, and exulting in spirit, composed this nuptial song in sweet but figurative language.” (Page 6)
“Let us consider the Word assuming to be the Mouth that kisses; let the Nature assumed be the Mouth that is kissed; and let the Divine Person, subsisting in two Natures, the Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus, be the Kiss in which both Mouths co-operate.” (Page 13)
“This is the way and this is the order. First, we cast ourselves at the Feet of Christ, and before the Lord Who made us we lament the evils which we ourselves have made. Secondly, we ask the help of His Hand to lift us up and to ‘strengthen the feeble knees.’ Thirdly, when we have obtained these favours by many prayers and tears, then, at last—with fear and trembling I say it—perhaps, then, we may venture to raise ourselves to that divinely glorious Mouth, not merely to contemplate Its beauty, but even to enjoy Its kiss.” (Page 25)
“In my opinion, therefore, this marriage hymn owes its title to its excellence, and with good reason is singularly called the Canticle of Canticles in the same way as He to Whom it is sung is singularly named ‘King of kings and Lord of lords.’” (Page 6)
“Let her not rashly try to reach at once the Lips of her most serene Bridegroom, but rather, like me, let her throw herself in fear at the Feet of her most dread Lord, trembling, and with downcast looks, and not daring, like the Publican, to lift her gaze to heaven.” (Page 21)
Bernard surpasses all the other Doctors of the Church.
The Abbot Bernard, in his book De Consideratione, speaks in the language of truth itself.
He was gifted with a sublime eloquence, and so rich in saintly wisdom and eminent in holiness, that while we garner his teaching we should make his life our model. Bernard, the great contemplative, tasted all the sweetness of prayer; it you, too, would find a relish in prayer, ruminate his words. Not only are they spiritual and heart-penetrating, but they are also exquisite in style and calculated to impel you to the service of God.
- Title: St. Bernard's Sermons on the Canticle of Canticles, vol. 1
- Author: Bernard of Clairvaux
- Publisher: Browne and Nolan
- Publication Date: 1920
- Pages: 497
- Christian Group: Catholic
- Resource Type: Sermons
- Topic: Medieval Church