I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind.

The quote "I believe though I do not comprehend, and I hold by faith what I cannot grasp with the mind." by Saint Bernard highlights the profound nature of faith as a belief that transcends human understanding. Saint Bernard acknowledges that there are truths and mysteries that the human mind cannot fully comprehend, yet he emphasizes the importance of holding onto these truths through faith. This quote reflects the idea that faith often requires trusting in something beyond rational explanation or complete intellectual grasp.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was a 12th-century French abbot and a key figure in medieval Christian spirituality. His writings often focused on the depth of spiritual experience and the limits of human reason in understanding divine mysteries. This quote captures his view that faith is a necessary means of embracing the divine when logical comprehension falls short, urging believers to rely on trust and devotion.

The origin of this quote lies in Saint Bernard’s theological reflections, where he explored the relationship between reason and faith. He believed that while human intellect is valuable, it has its limits, and faith is the means by which people can connect to higher spiritual realities. His message encourages humility before the mysteries of faith and confidence in what cannot be fully explained.

In summary, Saint Bernard’s quote teaches that faith involves believing beyond what the mind can fully comprehend. It reminds us that some spiritual truths require us to trust and hold firm, even when we cannot intellectually grasp their entirety, highlighting faith as a profound and necessary virtue.