December 1, 2010. (-ONLY VIDEO-). "
Dear Brothers and Sisters, our catechesis today deals with Julian of Norwich, an English mystic and anchoress of the late fourteen and early fifteenth centuries. Julian is best known for her book, Revelations of Divine Love, which recounts sixteen visions or "showings" which she received during a grave illness."
The Revelations are centred on the love of Christ; in Julian’s own words: "love is our Lord’s meaning". They exude an optimism grounded in the certainty that we are loved by God and protected by his providence; as Julian says, in speaking of God’s power to bring good out of evil: "all will be well, and every kind of thing will be well".
Julian’s mysticism echoes the prophet Isaiah in using the imagery of a mother’s love to describe the affectionate care which God shows for his children, culminating in the incarnation of his Son and the fulfilment of his promises.
Like so many holy women in every age, in spite of her withdrawal from the world Julian became a much-sought spiritual guide. In our own lives, may we draw profit from her teaching that God is the love which transforms our lives, bringing joy and peace to our hearts and, through us, to those all around us.
I extend a warm welcome to the many student groups present at today’s Audience. Upon all the English-speaking visitors, especially those from Malaysia, Australia and the United States of America, I cordially invoke an abundance of joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
