Advent 2: Julian, Suffering and Peace

“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”

― Julian of Norwich

It's the Eve of the second Sunday in Advent and "Peace" is our point of focus for the coming week, Julian's words meet us in a time where peace may seem far off...
For refugees wandering...
For victims of senseless violence...
For those without a place to call home...
For those suffering sickness and grief...
it seems crazy to repeat her words.
Some may even go so to say the her words are foolishness.

But, there are some words we need to repeat -
perhaps even more in times like these.Julian's words mean to assure each heart that in the midst of all circumstances that Jesus the Christ is always present.

1 Corinthians 1:18 speaks of how some might perceive the gospel message to be foolishness...
"For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Julian of Norwich was not speaking about suffering, having never suffered. At a young age, she was close to death in the midst of a serious illness at suddenly saw a vision (as well as others) of Christ crucified.Shortly after the series of visions she recovered. (For more on Julian's life visit Wikipedia)

While this account may seem unbelievable, the records of this event and theological writings that followed Julian's mystical experience remain impressive.

In the midst of suffering, Christ was present with Julian.
So, in the midst of our suffering, Christ also is present with us.

For those hearts too full or empty due to the grief they bear, this presence of Jesus Christ is anything but foolishness.

May all manner of things be well for you and yours in this coming week of "peace".
Christ is present.
Christ is with you.
Christ is the Prince of Peace.

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Uphill idealist

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