Arnold of Bonneval
Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Arnold of Bonneval was a 12th-century French Benedictine monk and a close friend of Bernard of Clairvaux, with whom he shared a deep spiritual bond. Arnold entered monastic life at a young age and became a prominent abbot, contributing significantly to the religious and intellectual life of his time. His friendship with Bernard was marked by a shared commitment to monastic reform and contemplative spirituality. The two men corresponded regularly, and Arnold’s admiration for Bernard is evident in his writings.
Arnold’s theological work includes his reflections on the seven last words of Christ, the final utterances of Jesus as He hung on the cross. The Seven Last Words of Christ are:
1.“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) – Arnold saw this statement as the ultimate expression of Christ’s mercy. Christ, even in His agony, demonstrates the boundless mercy of God, offering a model of forgiveness for all believers.
2.“Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) – Arnold emphasized the hope of redemption and the immediacy of Christ’s saving grace, reflecting on how even in moments of death, the soul can find eternal life through faith in Christ.
3.“Woman, behold your son; Son, behold your mother” (John 19:26-27) – In this passage, Arnold interpreted this as Christ’s entrusting of the Church to Mary’s maternal care, underlining her unique role in the economy of salvation.
4.“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) – Arnold interpreted this cry not as a sign of despair, but as Christ fully entering into the human condition, experiencing the depth of suffering so as to redeem it. This word encapsulated the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the redemptive power of suffering.
5.“I thirst” (John 19:28) – Arnold connected this with the deeper longing of Christ to fulfill His mission of redemption, emphasizing the spiritual thirst of Jesus for humanity’s love and reconciliation with God.
6.“It is finished” (John 19:30) – Arnold viewed this statement as a triumphant cry, a signal that the debt of sin had been paid, and the gates of heaven opened to humanity.
7.“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46) – Arnold saw in this final word the ultimate act of trust and submission to the Father. He reflected on Christ’s perfect obedience and surrender to God’s will, seeing it as the model for Christian faith.
Arnold also wrote a sermon in praise of Our Lady, in which he echoed and expanded on the Marian theology promoted by his friend Bernard, emphasizing the Virgin Mary’s role in salvation and her unique relationship with Christ. His commentary on Psalm 132 delves into the unity of the Church and the blessings of brotherly love, aligning closely with the Cistercian ideals of community and humility.
Arnold’s meditations and spiritual treatises, rich in contemplative insight, had a notable impact on monastic spirituality, encouraging deeper reflection on the mysteries of faith and the inner life. His works, though not as widely known as those of Bernard, contributed to the broader theological discourse of the 12th century, particularly in their focus on the interior life and devotion to Mary.
Arnold died around 1156, likely at Bonneval Abbey, where he had spent much of his life in contemplation and writing. His legacy remains in his thoughtful theological works that inspired monastic thought.
Extant Writings:
- Discourses on the gifts of the Holy Spirit
- The seven last words of Christ
- Sermon in praise of Our Lady
Quotes and Excerpts:
On the Intercession of Mary:
“Love for his Mother moved Christ. At that moment, Christ and Mary had but one single will, and both were equally offering a single holocaust to God: she with the blood of her heart; he with the blood of his body.” –De laudibus B. M. V.; PL 189, 1727A.
On the Assumption of Mary:
“She went to the Son, and, as the angels came to meet her and bore up her distinguished soul, she was assumed into heaven. Whether this happened with her body or without is not defined by any authority of the canonical Scripture; but however it may have happened, there is no doubt that she is with Christ.” –De laudibus B. M. V.; PL 189, 1733A.
On Mary, Queen of Heaven:
“Christ is the Lord, and Mary his Lady, and inasmuch as she professed herself to be the handmaid of Christ, she fully understands that this kind of service is more sublime than any kingdom. For she is placed above every creature, and whoever bends the knee before Jesus is inclined to bow down before his Mother as well. In the spheres above and in those below, the Virgin Mother is an object of admiration…. The Mother cannot be separated from the Son’s dominion and power. Mary’s flesh and that of Christ are one; one is their spirit; one their charity.” –De laudibus B. M. V.; PL 189, 1729AB