St Bernard of Claivaux
I’ve always had a soft spot for Bernard ever since Reading some of his writings whilst studying at University. As an evangelical I found in them a depth and Intensity that I had not come across before and they caused me to think that Medieval Christianity contained more than my fellow evangelicals were prepared to admit. His writings, along with a tour of Cistercian Abbeys in England, lead me into a love affair with Benedictine Spirituality that has stayed with me to this day. Although now a Franciscan I believe that a modified form of the Benedictine life has much to offer Christians of all denominations today. A good example of this can be found in the writing of Abbot Christopher Jamison
Like all Saints Bernard was not perfect: what for example are we to make of his preaching of the First Crusade? But there is no denying that his influence has shaped our lives. During his lifetime Cistercian Abbeys sprung up throughout the UK and became very influential. Even after the Dissolution and the Reformation Benedictine based worship still continues in the Church of England with whole chunks of Morning and Evening Prayer being taken from their Daily Office.
For the past four years I have had the privilege of working at Fountains Abbey for a few days. This year I wore the robes of a 15c
Fountains Abbey
Greyfriar and somehow I felt more ‘at home’. How many Greyfriars had stayed as guests I wonder.
Now I’m not getting all sentimental about the past, I am, however musing on the fact that what we are as Christians today is in part down to those who have gone before. Without reading Bernard my Christian life might be completely different to how it is now; I might have never taken the path that has lead me to my present vocation.
I like where I am and so here is a big thank you to Bernard and a prayer that our lives too will be lived in such a way as to influence other to good in the ages to come.
