October 6, 2021 Editor

Revelations of Divine Love

Julian of Norwich

WN: This arrived in my inbox today. So simple. So profound. So uplifting.

Deeds are done which appear so evil to us and people suffer such terrible evils that it does not seem as though any good will ever come of them; and we consider this, sorrowing and grieving over it so that we cannot find peace in the blessed contemplation of God as we should do, and this is why: our reasoning powers are so blind now, so humble and so simple, that we cannot know the high, marvelous wisdom, the might and the goodness of the Holy Trinity. And this is what he means where he says, “You shall see for yourself that all manner of things shall be well”, as if he said, “Pay attention to this now, faithfully and confidently, and at the end of time you will truly see it in the fullness of joy.”–Julian of Norwich

Source: Revelations of Divine Love

In all this the sweet eye of pity and love is lifted never off us, nor does the working of mercy cease.”

Coming from a society where women were barred from serious writing and teaching, Julian, an anchorite in the great medieval city of Norwich, nevertheless used the English vernacular of the day to describe an extraordinary series of ‘showings’ which she received from God. Through her experiences, she identifies the female nature of Christ’s suffering and the motherhood of God, and, using images from domestic daily life, emphasizes the homeliness of God’s love. In the famous parable of the Lord and the Servant, she reveals her penetrating insight into the mystery of salvation; and she moves towards the controversial belief that God’s love will not allow any of humankind to be lost.

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Editor

Wayne Northey was Director of Man-to-Man/Woman-to-Woman – Restorative Christian Ministries (M2/W2) in British Columbia, Canada from 1998 to 2014, when he retired. He has been active in the criminal justice arena and a keen promoter of Restorative Justice since 1974. He has published widely on peacemaking and justice themes. You will find more about that on this website: a work in progress.

Always appreciate constructive feedback! Thanks.