R182: Hildegard von Rupertsberg an Äbtissin H. von Altmünster in Mainz
Raised Up to See God's Mysteries
Hildegard describes being struck down by God's will yet raised again by grace to behold divine mysteries, and promises a share in the reward of praise to anyone who aids others in her name.
Hildegard's reply. The will of God had struck me down as though it were a sign of death, as if my soul were sighing to leave this world! but God's grace has now raised me up somewhat by a new gift, for I see — as they say — the mysteries of God as in a true vision. Whoever comes to the aid of anyone suffering in my name — that person will be helped in my portion, which is the reward of praise.
A Burning Mind and a Call to Persevere
Hildegard praises the abbess's fervent spirit, exhorts her to endure suffering in God with wholehearted devotion, and assures her that God will grant perseverance in His service.
Your mind burns as though it had been kindled with oil and sprinkled, When suffering sometimes wears you down, as though you don't know what you can do, Live in God, and bear your burden, as much as you can beyond your strength, with all the devotion you have! And God will bring it about that you persevere in his service.
Read the original Latin
Responsum hildegardis. Voluntas dei quasi in signo mortis me strauerat. uelut anima mea de hoc seculo susspiraret! sed gratia dei aliquantulum me in nouo dono nunc erexit. Mistica enim dei ut in uera uisione uideo dicunt. Qui in nomine meo ulli dolenti succurrit! illi in parte mea quod premium laudis est succurretur. Mens tua flagrat quasi ignito oleo aspersa sit.
unde dolendo interdum fatigaris uelut nescias quid facere possis. Viue in deo et pondus tuum quantum pre uiribus tuis potes deuotissime suffer! et deus faciet ut in seruitute ipsius perseueres.
Epistolae: Letters to Frederick Barbarossa and Henry II of England companion
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