You will find that the reading of sacred scripture is a great and powerful remedy against bodily suffering and depression of mind. In my opinion, there is no other writing, no matter how eloquent and stylish it may be, that can bring such peace to our minds and so thoroughly dissolve our cares as sacred scripture can.
The real reason that scripture has this persuasive power is that it comes from First Truth. Surely there can be no other explanation for such conviction. It seems as though scripture has an inherent authority that compels us to believe.
But on what base does this authority rest? None of us has seen God preaching, writing, teaching—and yet we believe as though we had seen, and realize that what we read comes from the Holy Spirit.
One reason for believing may well be that the truth contained in scripture is very solid truth, even though it is not as clear as we might wish. All truth has an inherent power to win our acceptance: the greater the truth, the greater its power.
Blessed Baptist Spagnoli
From his treatise on patience
Born in Mantua on April 17th, 1447, as a youth Blessed Baptist Spagnoli joined the Carmelites of the Congregation of Mantua at Ferrara. He made his religious profession in 1464 and served in many positions of responsibility in the community; he was vicar general of his congregation six times, and in 1513 was elected prior general of the whole Order. In his own time, he was a renowned humanist ‘who brought his richly varied poetry into the service of Christ’. He used his friendships with scholars as an opportunity to encourage them to live a Christian life. He died in Mantua on March 20th, 1516.
Featured image: A Discalced Carmelite nun studies the Bible at the Maryton Carmel in Liverpool, England. Image credit: Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Great Britain (used by permission)
Carmelite Quotes 
Blessed Baptist’s thoughts on reading Scripture are so very true and helpful, as are Madame Acarie’s from today, that if one finds difficulty in anything, it is because we don’t love God.
Do you know if an English translation of Blessed Baptist’s treatise on patience exists? I found a PDF in the Library of Congress that is written in Latin and Romanian (of all things!) but I could not find anything in English.
Thank you for continuing these inspiring thoughts and images every day.
Kathy Tague
Honestly Kathleen, I don’t. I was wondering about that very question and thought perhaps the O.Carm. general curia might know where to find it in Italian. That is most likely. Great question, thanks for asking!