Visions of Sister Hadewijch

...a chalice full of blood. Immediately the angel said to me: "You, Great and Strong-willed one, who suffer all the unknown and known torments without injury and with sweet composure, drink!" And I drank, and that was the chalice of patient suffering. And I took a vow therein to emulate God forever in faithful patience.

Afterward, he led me further to the center of the field wherein we were walking. Here stood a tree that grew with its roots toward the top and its crown downward The "inverted tree" (arbor inversa) is a frequent symbol in mystical literature, representing how the spiritual life originates in the heavens—with its roots in God—and grows down into the human world.. It had many, many branches. The lower ones, which formed the crown, were faith and the hope that furthers all human work. Immediately the angel said to me: "O student, you who climb this tree from the start of the crown to the end of the deep roots of the incomprehensible God, understand how this is the path from the beginning to becoming ever-more-perfect." And I understood that this was the Tree of the Knowledge of God Knowledge of God (Gotteserkenntnis): In this tradition, "knowledge" is not just intellectual learning, but a mystical, experiential realization of the divine nature., which one begins with faith and completes in love.

Beside this tree stood another, which had round and broad leaves. Immediately the angel said to me: "Stay here as a prisoner The concept of being a "prisoner of love" or "prisoner of God" refers to the soul's total surrender, where it no longer wishes to move or act outside of God's will. for as long as He who summoned you here sets you free again. And understand His hidden will—He wishes to enjoy you original: "Er will deiner genießen." In mystical theology, "enjoyment" (fruitio) describes the ultimate, blissful union between God and the soul.. I myself will continue to perform servant’s service for you. I have received the command from Him to serve you at all times..."