R144: Hildegard von Rupertsberg an Propst B. von Knechtsteden
A Voice in the Vision
Hildegard introduces her reply as received in mystical vision and a divine voice.
Hildegard's response. In a mystical vision I was looking toward the request of your words. And I heard a voice addressing me in this way.
The Tree Battered and Renewed
Hildegard likens the addressee to a summer tree harmed by storms yet revived by heavenly dew.
I compare you to a tree that puts out its thick branches in summer. And its fruit is somewhat harmed by storms and clouds! And again it is renewed by the dew of heaven and the pure air. For your mind is in this way. Because when you have confidence in any prosperity, it is as though you are putting out thick branches.
Storm-Tossed Yet Called to Sigh Toward God
The propst's inner turmoil is named, then met with scriptural sighs and the promise of life in God.
You're worn out by the shifting ways of your own behavior, as if battered by a storm. And also by those under your care. You're harmed by the clouds around you, just as a tree is battered by mists and storms. But you — sigh toward God. And say: To you, Lord, I have lifted up my soul. My God, in you I trust — I will not be put to shame. For in you is the breath of life, which God has quickened without end.
Wings of Reason Lifted to God
The propst is urged to soar to God by faith, know him, and ask for deliverance.
And to whom has he given the wings of reason? Soar up to God with them, through faith and through good desire, lifting your soul to him. Know God himself, your God. In whose knowledge you have been. And from whom you received your beginning. Ask him, then, to teach you with the breath of his own spirit his goodness. And free you from adversities. You too, trust in him.
A Father's Correction, A Prophet's Prayer
The propst is encouraged to confess humbly as a son, and Hildegard prays for his protection.
So that you won't be ashamed to lay all your works before him, and speak as a son speaks to his father when he is corrected for his fault. that he may not forget his offspring in himself. But I will gladly ask God that through his grace he mercifully defend and free you from every excess of restless behavior, from other sins, and from the dangers that come upon you.
Read the original Latin
Responsvm hildegardis. In mistica uisione ad peticionem uerborum tuorum aspiciebam! et audiui uocem ad te sic dicentem. Arbori te assimilo quę in estate grossos suos producit. et cuius fructus a turbinibus et nebulis aliquantulum leditur! et iterum ex rore celi et puro ethere renouatur. Isto enim modo mens tua est. quia cum fiduciam in aliqua prosperitate habes uelut grossos producens.
ex uicissitudine morum tuorum quasi ex turbine fatigaris. et etiam ab illis qui sub onere tuo sunt. sicut ex nebulis lederis. Sed tu ad deum suspira. et dic. Ad te domine leuaui animam meam! deus meus in te confido non erubescam. In te enim est spiraculum uite quod deus infinite uiuificauit.
et cui pennas racionalitatis dedit. ideo cum illis per fidem et per bonum desiderium ad deum uola ad eum leuando animam tuam. Ipsum etiam deum tuum cognosce. in cuius scientia fuisti. et a quo principium sumpsisti. unde eum roga ut spiramine spiritus sui bona sua te doceat! et de aduersis te liberet. Tu etiam in ipsum confide.
ita ut omnia opera tua ante eum ponere non erubescas. et dic sicut filius patri suo dicit cum delinquens corripitur. quod prolis suę in ipso non obliuiscatur. Ego autem deum libenter rogabo ut ab omni nimietate inquietorum morum et aliorum criminum et periculorum uobis occurrentium per gratiam suam clementer uos defendat et liberet.
Epistolae: Letters to Frederick Barbarossa and Henry II of England companion
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