MY BELOVED IS MINE AND I AM HIS: SELF-KNOWLEDGE IN THE ...

and the soul’s self-knowledge in the abbot’s doctrine. In undertaking such a study, our
aim will be to show how Bernard, rather audaciously, argues that Christ himself, by his
descent and ascent in the flesh, undertakes, in a sense, the very journey of self-knowledge
we have seen the abbot chart in the preceding chapters; and, that by this journey of self-
knowledge, he both models this journey for his disciples and effects their successful
completion of this journey according to his example.
To demonstrate these claims, this chapter will proceed in three parts. First,
following our practice of beginning with Bernard’s foundational work, On the Steps of
Humility and Pride, we will explore the subtle Christology he there develops in his
apparent “digression” concerning the Word’s knowledge as Incarnate. We will show
that, for Bernard, the Word’s Incarnation involves the Word’s own journey of self-
knowledge, as the Word first humbles himself to experience the truth of fallen
humanity’s miseria by his experience in the flesh, and then, following the steps of Truth,
learns compassion for his fellow human beings through this newly discovered self-
knowledge. By his own descent to ascend these steps of Truth, the Word as Incarnate
will both model for his disciples the way of humility and charity that leads to self-
knowledge, and, at the same time, authentically learn and grow in these virtues so that he
might himself become not only an example, but also a source of these virtues for those
joined to him in faith and charity.
Second, to show how, for Bernard, Christ models the soul’s journey of self-
knowledge, we will undertake a study of the abbot’s reflections on the mysteries of
saint Bernard.” Collectanea Ordinis Cisterciensum Reformatorum 23 (1961): 42-57; “Christ and the
Christian Faith according to Saint Bernard,” Cîteaux 12 (1961): 105-119.
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