R82: Hildegard von Rupertsberg an Abt H. von Maulbronn
The Call to Contemplate the Soul
Hildegard urges the listener to receive wise words with a contemplative vision of the soul, because God watches over such deeds and calls for restraint when carnal desire threatens the mind.
Hildegard's reply. A wise person of true light says: O person! These words must be heard. The person who wishes to cross over to life ought to have a contemplative vision of the soul — the eyes of the living. because God watches over such deeds. For when the submergence of the groin comes, vomiting forth various crimes on account of its ash, then let a person bridle the appetite of their own mind.
Mercy's Dawn and the Strong Bond
Mercy has crushed hell and wiped away sins, so the noble abbot should look within at the surging rivers of desire and twist away from teeming pleasures.
Let it waste away in that unbearable deed of hardness, rising toward the dawn of light — that is, mercy, which laid low death. And it crushed the foul entrails of hell. Where that same mercy wiped away the sins of mortals. So let a man have windows for restoring himself in what is good. But you, who are noble in your will — consider: many rivers surge within you, churning with a great clamor. O strong bond! Twist the breasts of pleasures, teeming with vices.
The Living Image and the Turtledove
Following the turtledove's example, the abbot is urged to bend his knees in self-mastery, open his mind beautifully before God, avoid harsh speech, anoint the suffering, and kiss God in his mind.
Take the turtledove as your example too! Bend your knees when you overcome yourself. O living image! Open the enclosure of your mind with a beautiful countenance. This is what becomes you in the sight of the supreme King. But be careful not to be a weighty lead because of the hardness of your mouth. If you will not have anointed the wounds of those who suffer with scars. But kiss God in your mind.
Windows Toward the Heavenly Jerusalem
The abbot is encouraged to pursue upright works without shame, find refreshment and restraint amid labor, beautify his spirit, and trust that God will not forsake him but grant salvation.
And don't be ashamed of your desires — to accomplish upright and just works in their good will. Let there now be refreshment for you in your labor, and let there be bridles within you against secular entanglements. And make the countenance of your spirit beautiful! So that the windows of the heavenly Jerusalem may receive you.✦ God will not forsake you!✦ But he will give you the refreshment of salvation.
Read the original Latin
Responsum hildegardis. Prudens uir ueracis lucis dicit. O homo! hęc uerba audienda sunt. Homo qui ad uitam transire uult. debet habere speculatiuam spectionem animi uiuentium oculorum. quia deus in talibus factis uigilat. Nam cum uenerit inguinaria submersio cinereę causę diuersa crimina euomens tunc homo frenet gustum mentis suę.
et tabescat in importabili facto duricię surgens ad auroram lucis id est misericordiam quę mortem strauit. et squalida uiscera gehennę contriuit! ubi eadem misericordia abstersit crimina hominum. Sic habeat homo fenestras ad restaurandum semetipsum in bono. Sed tu qui generosus es in uoluntate tua. adtende quia multa flumina undant in te rixando in magno strepitu. O fortis ligatura! torque mammas uoluptatum pullulantium uiciorum.
Sta quoque in exemplo turturis! flectens genua tua quando teipsum uincis. O uiuens figura. aperi clausuram mentis tuę in pulcra facie. quod decet te in conspectu summi regis. Caue etiam ne sis uehemens plumbum propter duriciam oris tui. si non unxeris uulnera dolentium cicatricum. Osculare autem deum in mente tua.
et desideria tua non erubescant in bona uoluntate sua perficere recta et iusta opera. Nunc sit tibi refectio in labore tuo et frena in te seculares causas. et faciem animi tui decoram fac! ita ut fenestrę celestis ierusalem suscipiant te. Deus non derelinquet te! sed dabit tibi refectionem salutis.
Scripture echoes
- ↩Isa.60.8 — Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?
- ↩Heb.13.5;Deut.31.6 — Let your way of life be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut.31.6 — Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be dismayed before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
Epistolae: Letters to Frederick Barbarossa and Henry II of England companion
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