Julian of Norwich


Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Julian of Norwich. 
Julian lived in 14th century England during the Black Death, so it seems a bit surprising that her most remembered words were 
"All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well." 
Where does that kind of optimism come from?


Conventional wisdom at the time believed that God brought plagues and bad things to bad people, but Julian dismissed that rationale while facing a life threatening illness herself. After receiving "last rites" and at the brink of death, Julian received 16 "showings" or revelations of God's love which were published in her book The Revelations of Divine Love.

The question for us, it seems to me, is how do we respond when faced with our own plagues:  those of self-doubt, grief, or physical distress?

When faced with the things that plague us, Julian points us in the direction of God's love.  She reminds us that we can have utter confidence in God's faithfulness. Once again, the wisdom of the saints is passed along to us, exhorting us to live our lives in faith, not fear.  

Quotes from Julian's Revelations of Divine Love:

          -- There were times when I wanted to look away from the Cross,                                                    
             but I dared not. For I knew that while I gazed on the Cross I was safe and sound…

        --   God loves us and enjoys us, and so he wills that we love him and enjoy him, and firmly    
              trust him; and all shall be well.

          -- Flee to our Lord and we shall be comforted. Touch him and we shall be made clean.           
             Cling to him and we shall be safe and sound from every kind of danger.

          -- What, do you wish to know your Lord's meaning in this thing?                                               
             Know it well, love was His meaning. 
             Who reveals it to you? Love. 
             What did He reveal to you? Love. 
             Why does he reveal it to you? For love.