R106: Hildegard von Rupertsberg an Richard von Springiersbach
Called to Bear the Burden
Hildegard teaches that when God chooses someone for holy service, humble obedience must override personal excuses, even when weakness limits usefulness.
Hildegard's response. Listen, O mystical one of God. The Lord holds a household subject to Himself. When He chooses someone from that same household, giving him the place of sanctification, so that he may carry the burden along with Him. Yet the one who excuses himself is not worthy to bear that burden. Then, if his lord does not listen to him in this—since it is his pleasure that he bear that burden—let him not disturb his lord. But as far as it is within his power, let him obey humbly. But if afterward, in the same matter, any failure of some usefulness steals away because of the weakness of that person's understanding and knowledge.
A Heavenly Mouth, an Ascending Root
Hildegard encourages her addressee to trust that God will provide what is needed, since his contemplative mind already flourishes in heavenly gifts.
It will not get in his way! Because his lord will provide it. Now, father and friend in the place of Christ. Look back at this discourse. And listen. Your mouth is heavenly! And your mind flourishes with the cloud. So that your root may ascend.
Armed for Battle, Held by Love
Hildegard exhorts him to worship God, fight vice as a soldier of Christ, reject greed, and trust that God receives those who call on him.
And worship the Lord your God. Put on the breastplate and fight as a soldier against vice and lasciviousness—flee from them! And do not embrace greed. And God, whom you secretly call upon— in His love He will receive you.
Read the original Latin
Responsvm hildegardis. Audi mistica dei. Dominus qui possidet familiam sibi subiectam. cum aliquem de eadem familia eligit dans illi locum sanctificationis ut onus secum portet. ita quod tamen ille se excusat quod non sit dignus onus illud sufferre. tunc si dominus suus eum in hoc non audit quia sibi placet ut onus illud ferat dominum suum non commoueat. sed quantum preualeat illi humiliter obediat. Quod si postea in eadem causa ullus defectus alicuius utilitatis propter imbecillitatem sensus et scientię illius subripuerit.
ipsi non oberit! quia dominus suus illud prouidebit. Nunc pater et amice in uice christi. respice ad sermonem istum. et audi. Os tuum celeste est! et mens tua cum nube floret. Vnde radix tua ascendat.
et dominum deum tuum adora. induens loricam et militans contra uicia lasciuiam fugiendo! et auariciam non amplectendo. Et deus quem occulte inuocas! in amore suo suscipiet te.
Epistolae: Letters to Frederick Barbarossa and Henry II of England companion
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