Athirst for God

The Bible is the monk's book. The thought and teaching of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was so saturated with Scripture that the reader often cannot decided where the Bible ends and Bernard begins. From direct quotations to fine allusions, Bernard assumed that his readers were as familiar with the Bible as he was himself.

Saint Bernard chose the Song of Songs as the vehicle for expressing his deepest and highly personal longing for God, his striving for 'full knowledge, clear vision, a strong bond of union, a relationship which cannot be broken apart, and perfect likeness.'

Michael Casey, OCSO, has been a monk of Tarrawarra Abbey (Australia) since 1960. In the intervening years he has conducted many retreats and workshops on every continent (except Antarctica) and has written many articles on topics relating to monastic history and spirituality. He is also the author of many books, including The Road to Eternal Life: Reflections on the Prologue of Benedict's Rule; Seventy-Four Tools for Good Living: Reflections on the Fourth Chapter of Benedict's Rule; Balaam's Donkey; and Coenobium: Reflections on Monastic Community.