Reading the Spiritual Classics: Sermons on The Song of Songs by Bernard of Clairvaux (1095-1153)

IMPORTANT:  You must have taken SF202: “A Second Look at Lectio Divina in the Season of Easter” to register for this course.

The 12th century is the height of expression of monastic spirituality. The theme of Desire for God is a theme characteristic of Augustine. Within this Augustinian tradition, it developed a rich vocabulary and even a distinctive theology. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 1153 A.D.) the “Mellifluent Doctor,” or “Doctor of Love,” has in the history of the Church given it the superlative expression of the godly consciousness of the desire for God in his magnum opus Sermons on the Song of Songs.

These 86 sermons represent the height of exposition and expression of the key monastic pursuit: Union with God. They will also provide insights and inroads into various other themes e.g., 12th century monastic spirituality, teaching on the imago dei; the practice of lectio divina, the teaching of the double knowledge, the evolvement of Christian mysticism (Bridal mysticism), understanding the way that patristic and medieval Christians read and
interpret Scripture (Allegorical Interpretation).

In this reading fellowship, participants are expected to read the assigned sermons before each session. With only 8 sessions, we will focus on selected sermons under the theme of Desire for God. The desired outcome is to understand this godly consciousness of the desire and pursuit for God as experienced and expressed in an era different from ours. It was Bernard’s particular way of reading the book of the Song of Songs that unfolded new terms of reference and a set of vocabulary for understanding and naming the dynamics of experiencing the Presence of God.

          Our Relationships and Our Desires
“Fear motivates a slave’s attitude to his master, gain that of wage-earner to his employer, the learner is attentive to his teacher, the son is respectful to his father. But the one who asks for a kiss, she is a lover.”
~Bernard of Clairvaux, Sermons on the Song of Songs , Sermon 7