Seeker

'Julian of Norwich' (not her real name) is commemorated today in the Church of England. In 1373, an unnamed 30-year old Englishwoman, had a visionary experience during severe illness. After recovering, she meditated on what she had seen, writing first a brief account and later a series of deeper theological reflection, “Revelations of Divine Love” , believed to be the first book written by a woman in English. We call that unnamed woman Julian of Norwich because by 1394 until at least 1416, she lived as an “anchoress”, in a cell attached to the church of St Julian, in Norwich . One of her cell windows opened into the church so she could share in worship. The other opened onto a street so people could come to her to seek her prayer and spiritual wisdom. In that cell she received more visions and contemplated God’s grace and love. She lived in really hard times, which makes her emphasis on God’s love all the more remarkable. In Norwich in the late 14th century, the plague kill...

I love this sculpture of a mother embracing a child because it is beautiful. It conveys the protectiveness of the mother cradling her child in a safe but not restricting space. It speaks of mutual love and trust. I also like it because of its ambiguity. From this image it is impossible to know how either mother or child are feeling - joyful or sad - confident or fearful? Feeling comforted or in need of comfort? Peaceful or suffering? That is why I choose to post it today. I n Britain it is Mothering Sunday , which always falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent ('Refreshment Sunday'). It can be a day of joy or of reawakened grief. The word 'mothering' can trigger so many different emotions, positive and negative.  Here's a Bible quote for Mothering Sunday: "As a mother comforts a child so will I comfort you, says the Lord." Isaiah 66: 13 And here's a Hymn for Mothering Sunday Mothering God, you gave me birth in the bright morning of this wor...

' Mother Julian' of Norwich is remembered today in the Anglican church. She was a 14th century Christian mystic who lived in Norwich.  She was an inspirational woman in her own time, but her writings have only really become well-known since the 20th century. You can read about her life and work here. Her book "Revelations of Divine Love" is said to be the first book written by a woman  in the English language. T.S. Eliot quoted from this in his poem 'Little Gidding' in the Four Quartets, affirming the divine love behind all things, so that: "All shall be well and all manner of things shall be well." One of the people inspired by Mother Julian's visions of Christ is Janet Morley , who wrote this prayer in response: Christ our true mother, you have carried us within you,  laboured with us and brought us to bliss. Enclose us in your care, that in stumbling we may not fall, nor be overcome by evil, but know that all shall ...

In the Church of England calendar, today commemorates Julian of Norwich, Spiritual Writer,. She died about 1417 and is said to be the first woman to write a book in English. Her book 'Revelations of Divine Love' are meditations on her visions of Christ's passion that she experienced during her severe illness. They acknowledge the reality of suffering and express deep trust in the power of God's love to transform. The Julian Centre website  has a photo of the 'Julian Door'. I think it is the entrance to her hermitage cell which was destroyed at the Reformation but later rebuilt. The door is half open, giving a glimpse into the cell. I've always been attracted to pictures of doors or gates half-open, especially when looking from darkness to light. I think they evoke a sense of possibilities beyond where I now stand. Half-open doors also represent choice. Should I step through this entrance or not? What might happen if I do? Will I step aside from...