The fifth in a number of reflections written by the Rev’d Diane Smith, inspired by the writings of Julian of Norwich.
Julian’s last revelation of God’s divine love is known as “the vision of the City of her soul”.
He did not say, ‘you shall not be tossed about by tempest; You shall not be burdened; you shall not be stressed’, but he said ‘you shall not be overcome’.
Truly amazing that these words, written by Julian back in the 14th Century, speak so eloquently about our current situation.
As ever Julian is so helpful. Sometimes life is immensely difficult; we can all feel burdened and stressed. However, faith can help us see beyond the current moment, to a time when things will be different. Methodist Minister Dr. Charles Tindely wrote the hymn “I shall overcome” back in 1903. The American Civil Rights movement changed the words and sung it as “We shall overcome”.
Julian famously wrote “All shall be well and all manner of things shall be well”.
All of the above examples, acknowledge trials and tribulations. In life we are certainly not wrapped in cotton wool. Often people do not know when a period of hardship will ease, but our Christian faith and Julian’s words, inspired by Jesus, all point to a final destination of hope.
Julian, in the city of her soul, saw Jesus dwelling, within as she put it, “in his homeliest home”.
Trouble may come knocking at the door at anytime, but Jesus is already living inside the depth of our beings.
Knowing this to be true gives us hope even in the darkest night.
A Prayer
Jesus ever abide in the city of my soul.
Ever help me to place my hope in you.
Give me the will and desire to serve others in your name.
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”.