Religions Reviewed

Bernard’s failure of memory results per incuriam nescio, an per oblivionem: either through lack of mental discipline or through complete forgetfulness. But the shame and repentance that he feels after being confronted by the abbot is not only the prerequisite for forgiveness, it is the starting point for meditation and memorization. Compunctio cordis is the condition of anxiety and remorse that brings emotion into the service of holy thoughts. 

For all that Cistercians might be aware of Bernard’s saintly exceptionality; the reproof that he receives from Stephen in this story demonstrates that no exception would be made for him. When Stephen asks aut cui eos commendasti?—he is not genuinely asking if Bernard had tasked someone else with the recitation of the psalms. Instead, he is reminding him of the principle of Cistercian brotherhood—that they held both their goods and their labors in common. It was prideful of Bernard to keep work to himself if he could not complete it. 

This disciplining of Bernard is consistent with the picture in the Vita Prima, of fellow monks who “did not spare him, finding fault with his shyness, carping also at things well done, dismissive of seeming miracles.”  And Bernard’s devotion to his mother is also reflected there.