We often end our blogs with the phrase “God loves you unconditionally.” This week, we remember Julian of Norwich whose 14^th century writings are filled with references to God’s love for His children.

 Julian is thought to be the first woman to write a book in English.  She wrote two versions of Revelations of Divine Love. A short text was written right after she experienced sixteen visions during a serious illness. The longer version was written 20 years later and was the fruit of her labor as a mystic and anchoress at the church of St. Julian’s in Norwich, England.

Little is known about the life of Julian beyond that which is found in her writings. We do not even know her real name.  She is referred to Julian of Norwich because she lived her life in a small cell in the church of St. Julian. At the age of 30, she became seriously ill and was facing death when she received a vision of Christ bleeding before her. She recovered and lived for at least 50 years more.

After the sixteen visions on or around May 8, 1373, she moved to the church cell where she spent time in prayer and spiritual counseling. In spite of the fact that she lived during the Black Death, a time filled with suffering and pain, she brought the comfort of Christ’s unconditional love to those who sought her counsel.

Here is a quote from her writing: If there is anywhere on earth a lover of God who is always kept safe, I know nothing of it for it was not shown to me. But this was shown: that in falling and rising again we are always kept in that same precious love. Her use of the word “shown” refers to the visions that she saw while sick.

She is most well-known for the saying, “All will be well.” The song included below is a Taizé chant for your comfort and consolation entitled All Will Be Well. It is a wonderful mantra to remind us that God loves you unconditionally!

Terri