Thought for the day – Tuesday 19th May 2020
The fourth in a number of reflections written by the Rev’d Diane Smith, inspired by the writings of Julian of Norwich.
A number of you may be involved with the current positive trend on Facebook encouraging us to think positively and be grateful for the things that give us pleasure. Thinking about such things is indeed medicine for the soul.
Julian of Norwich, from her window, was a counsellor and spiritual guide to many. She showed much compassion in the way she listened to the troubled stories of passers-by. In order to encourage the folk who came to see her, often in deep distress, she would frequently speak of the three medicines.
- The First Medicine, Contrition: Feeling remorse for the things we have done wrong and wanting to change.
- The Second Medicine. Compassion: Trying always to see and were possible to respond to those in pain and distress.
- The Third Medicine, Longing for God: this longing for God filled Julian’s heart to overflowing.
In her life, Julian felt she had so much to thank God for and this love over spilled to others.
Our Saviour Jesus, always knew how to be grateful to God, urging us in Prayer to seek God’s Kingdom; instructing those around him to consider the lilies of the field; inspiring us to love our neighbours; reminding us that not a sparrow falls to the God without Gods knowledge and care.
Long before Facebook, Jesus was teaching his disciples the importance of gratitude and later St. Paul would encapsulate such teaching in the verses below;
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise think* about these things” (Philippians 4 verse 8 NRSV.)
It’s also worth looking at other versions * King James version “Meditate on these things” and New American Standard version * Dwell on these things.
A Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that your life was marked by deep gratitude.
Thank you that such gratitude has also inspired your followers like Julian down through the ages.
May, seeking your forgiveness, living compassionate lives and longing to know you more, ever be medicine to our souls and transform society.
Amen.
Julian of Norwich, was an English anchorite of the Middle Ages. She wrote the earliest surviving book in the English language to be written by a woman, Revelations of Divine Love. She lived practically her whole life in the city of Norwich. In 1373, aged thirty and so seriously ill she thought she was on her deathbed, Julian received a series of visions of the Passion of Christ. She recovered from her illness and wrote two versions of her experiences, the earlier one being completed soon after her recovery, and a much longer version, known as the Long Text, being written many years later. For much of her life, Julian lived in permanent seclusion in her cell, which was attached to St. Julian’s Church, Norwich. Though not canonised she is widely referred to as “Saint”, “Lady” and “Mother”.