I recall reading an amusing account (oh no, here I go again!) in
which a modern writer likened Bernard and Isaac, Abbot of Stella to a
kind of medieval Laurel and Hardy duo, with the frail abbot of
Clairvaux contrasting to the robust, healthy (i.e., probably large)
Isaac.
The two were good friends despite their differences: Bernard was well-
known for his motherly devotion to his monks, whereas Isaac favored
stern, even brutal discipline, and self-punishment. Curiously, it was
Bernard that was so in favor of the military orders and military
imagery in general, while Isaac denounced them as a "new
monstrosity", and did not use the "soldier of Christ" image in his
writings.
Now what would have happened if they both tried to enter through a
monastery door at the same time? ("After you!" "No, I insist!"
Perhaps the lay brothers were around to sort out these fine messes?)
Tim Rayborn :-)
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